AN OBSERVATION OF FIJIAN SOCIETY:
THE CONFLICT BETWEEN INDIVIDUALITY AND COMMUNALISM
by Apryle Pickering

Conclusion

Conclusion
Works Cited

Throughout my research in the last three months, I learned a great deal about Fijian society and tradition. Fijians pride themselves on the practice of kinship and a strong sense of community; however, the rising concept of individuality is now placing those traditions in jeopardy. More and more people are being exposed to the modern ways of western society through television and other various forms of media, which the Fijians are finding more appealing. This has presented a rising conflict between the pressure to follow tradition and the rise in autonomy.

The social structure within Fijian society is based on a strict set of kinship rules. These rules are based upon respect and adherence to traditional ways. The Fijians have developed a system of kin terms and name avoidance as a means of portraying these respectful mannerisms. Along with the social organization of kin terms there is also a distinct social structure of the village. With the integration of a chiefly system and hierarchy of lineages the Fijians are able to stress their place in society as well as fill their kinship obligations. Each member in the village is referred to in a different manner, and each family represents a different part of the system as a whole. It is in this traditional system of social structure that the conflict arises between tradition and individuality. Fijians are now more forgiving to those who stray from their designated respectful manner and they are more reluctant to fulfill their previous obligations.

The economics of Fiji have begun to change over the years. Although their primary economy of agriculture, tourism and government employment have remained somewhat stable as a means of income, their expenses are now increasingly up for debate. Kinship obligations in traditional Fijian society are constantly rising with the increasing demands to give away money and other forms of support as their duty to their family members while the new desire to accumulate material wealth presents a constant threat. This struggle is one that can only escalate over time as will the overwhelming conflict between personal gain and the good of the family.

In Fijian society there are many rituals that mark a change of status in a person's life. These changes require the support of the other kin emotionally as well as financially. For example, their ceremonies involving death can last for days and include people from various surrounding villages. With the kinship system being so involved the family members may have to attend such a function at least once a month virtually wiping out their income. This is the reason for the switch to personal gain, and it is one that is often criticized by those who respect the traditional ways. One must then ask the question: are the Fijians following their traditions and living their lives a certain way because they choose to or because it is expected of them?

Women in Fijian society are located at the bottom of the social hierarchy, and through conducting four life history interviews I found that the role that is expected of them as women is very restrained. Early on in their lives the women are much more dissatisfied with their place in society than later on in their married lives; however, all throughout their life they have to adhere to the word of others whether it is their parents or their husbands. These women must give up what they have worked for to satisfy others and are constantly compromising their autonomy. This is one aspect of Fijian culture that the women are becoming increasingly discontented with and over time may change dramatically.

Lastly, religion in Fijian society sets certain rules and boundaries for the actions of the Fijian people and many times dictates their lifestyles. Fijians believe very strongly in their "God", and worship is an intricate part of their lives. It would be considered shameful to admit that you did not believe in traditional methods of worship. Attendance at church services is often monitored which causes overwhelming social pressure and the feeling that it is your duty to attend. This pressure emphasizes the fact that even though people are present they may not be fully devoted. Although there are various church denominations that people follow, the dominant faith is Methodism. This is the most structured of the churches and is highly associated with traditional Fijian customs in the manner in which it operates. As a result the people who are dissatisfied with Fijian society express their discontent by leaving the Methodist church and resorting to other more relaxed denominations. This also emphasizes the fact that the people of Fiji are becoming more and more unhappy with the traditional beliefs and eager to dive into the possibility of individuality and autonomy.

Fijian culture is based upon the respect for kin and conformity toward traditional ways. In a society that has existed for hundreds of years it was not until the presence of foreign influence that these people began to question their lifestyle. There now is a constant battle in Fijian society between the pressure to conform to tradition and the struggle to become an individual in a society based on communalism.

Works Cited

Nayacakalou, R. R. 1978. Tradition and Change in the Fijian Village. Suva, Fiji: South Pacific Social Sciences Association.

Ravuvu, A. 1983. The Fijian Way of Life. Suva, Fiji: University of the South Pacific.

Rika, N. 1975. Is Kinship Costly? In The Pacific Way: Social Issues in National Development. S. Tupouniua et al., eds. Suva, Fiji: South Pacific Social Science Association. Pp. 27-31.

Vusoniwailala, L. n.d. Communication, Social Identity and the Rising Cost of Fijian Communalism. Pacific Perspective. Vol. 12 No. 2.