New Light on the Peoples of Micronesia

Murdock, George Peter (1948-10-22). "New Light on the Peoples of Micronesia". Science. 108 (2808): 423–425. doi:10.1126/science.108.2808.423. ISSN 1095-9203 0036-8075, 1095-9203 .

• Has attachment: File:M6CLMD9N.pdf

Abstract: "New Light on the Peoples of Micronesia" discusses the anthropological and administrative efforts concerning Micronesia during and after World War II, reflecting the United States' interest in understanding and administrating the region effectively.

World War II Period: It outlines how in 1943, anthropologists from Yale University were enlisted by the Navy to organize all available information on Micronesia. Their efforts resulted in the creation of Civil Affairs Handbooks, which became crucial for military governance before the American occupation.

Post-War Administration: After the war, to replace reserve officers with regular ones in administrative positions, Stanford University's Felix M. Keesing aided in organizing a School of Naval Administration to train these officers. This school also revised the Civil Affairs Handbooks with updated research.

Economic and Anthropological Surveys: An Economic Survey led by Douglas L. Oliver and a team of anthropologists from various universities was conducted in 1946 to fill gaps in the existing information, producing substantial though largely unpublished reports [9].

Coordinated Investigation of Micronesian Anthropology (CIMA): The paper describes a program initiated by the National Research Council for a large-scale field research effort supported by the Navy and various academic institutions. This initiative aimed to contribute to scientific understanding and inform future administrative programs.

Policy Recommendations and Implementation: The cooperation between naval administrators and scientists resulted in practical administrative changes, such as lifting clothing import restrictions and adjusting control over social customs like marriages. It emphasizes the importance of understanding local cultures for effective governance and argues for legislative support that respects the unique conditions of the area.

Extra details:

QID: Q64911842
PMID: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17736568
MAG: 2080392886
OpenAlex: W2080392886
CorpusID: 31879219