Pacific Islands stakeholder participation in development : Samoa
Hooper, Anthony
This report reviews the social patterns and cultural tradition in Samoa, and how these may affect national development. It shares similarities with the paper on Tonga in the same series, both using a common conceptual framework. Culture, even though modified by historical and colonial experience, is a salient feature in Samoa's national life, exerting profound influences on national policies. The paper analyzes three general concepts in an attempt to outline the ambiguities characterizing the social and political contexts. First, attention is given to the socio-political domain concept, where traditional ideas of rank permeate notions of political authority, and the very nature of social, political, and cultural facts shape the course of economic development. Secondly, on the socio-economic status concept, it is suggested that the tension between the four level groups, provides a socio-political dynamic, which may drive towards better amenities and higher standards of living. Finally, the report reviews the traditional enterprise concept, defined as economic activities in pursuit of material well-being, thus portrayed in negative terms. It is this negative connotation which obscures the overall development process in Pacific island countries.
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