The Changing Structure of a Micronesian Society

Useem, John (1945-10-12). "The Changing Structure of a Micronesian Society". American Anthropologist. 47 (4): 567–588. doi:10.1525/aa.1945.47.4.02a00060. ISSN 1548-1433 0002-7294, 1548-1433 .

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Abstract: “The Changing Structure of a Micronesian Society” explores the transformations in Micronesian societies due to various colonizers, including the Spanish, Germans, and Japanese. It highlights how these foreign influences imposed structural changes, affecting economic, social, and cultural aspects of Micronesian life. Initially, the indigenous social structure was rich with creative expressions and collective economic activities [2]. Land ownership and wealth distribution followed matrilineal lines, emphasizing subsistence and ceremonial exchanges rather than accumulation for status [2]. The Japanese administration attempted to simplify these complex social systems, reshaping clan structures and altering traditional practices [6]. This included changes in marital customs, like setting fixed sums for bride prices to prevent economic disparities and social tensions [9].

There were efforts to modernize and bring industrialized values to these societies, including the promotion and sometimes imposition of education and Western cultural norms [5][15]. However, these alterations often led to disruptions. For instance, the suppression of traditional exchanges and women’s roles in society fundamentally disorganized social systems [10][11].

The Japanese administration also struggled with understanding and integrating local belief systems, such as attempting to replace Christianity with ideas from Buddhism [7]. Interactions with other foreign populations, such as the Chinese and Chamorros, added to the cultural complexity and sometimes engendered tensions [11].

Overall, the document underscores the cultural dislocation and adaptive challenges faced by the Micronesian societies under colonial rule, alongside their attempts to restore their indigenous ways of living post-war through civil restoration actions [16][17].

Extra details:

MAG: 2048421312
OpenAlex: W2048421312
CorpusID: 59127949