Document Type
Thesis
Degree
Master of Science (MS)
Major/Program
Global and Sociocultural Studies
First Advisor's Name
Stephen M. Fjellman
First Advisor's Committee Title
Committee Chair
Second Advisor's Name
Janet Chernela
Third Advisor's Name
Hugh Gladwin
Date of Defense
4-21-1999
Abstract
The purpose of this study is to provide an alternative approach in analyzing social hybrid situations. The study is based on fieldwork conducted in 1995 in the village of Nasautoka, Fiji. The suggested analysis for hybrid cases is based on Anthony Giddens's structuration theory, with an emphasis on the concept of "agency" and "signification" rules. Giddens conceptualizes agents as both knowledgeable and reflexive. The agent is not viewed as passive and impotent as he paces through social life. Signification rules are extremely useful in analyses of symbolic orders, and shed light on the meaning of both "new" and "old" symbols as they manifest themselves simultaneously in Nasautoka.
Of paramount importance is that these new symbols are unfolding beside the "old" symbols represented by the vanua. The vanua is a Fijian social structure with both sociocultural and physical dimensions. The current hybrid is exemplified by two merging structures and by the contrasting reactions of three groups within the village.
Identifier
FI14050492
Recommended Citation
Ben David, Tali, "Youth and power in the village hybrid chiefdoms in Fiji" (1999). FIU Electronic Theses and Dissertations. 1493.
https://digitalcommons.fiu.edu/etd/1493
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