Introduction
In the introduction the author provides a basic argument for the perspective of an anthropologist being valuable to the understanding of life. The author explains the need to experience a civilization which is primitive, as it allows the anthropologist to pay greater attention to detail. The stage is then set for the remainder of the book which will examine the life of adolescent girls in Samoa and answer the question of the disturbances of adolescence.
The introduction provides a surprisingly strong case for the need to study primitive people through an anthropologist in order to understand more about humankind. Though the text was authored some time ago, the questions and answers provided by our society concerning adolescence seem to remain unchanged. Overall the introduction creates a sense of intrigue and excitement about the following examination of life in Samoa.
Chapter 2
A vivid account of a day in Samoa is given throughout the course of this chapter. The chapter is mainly an all inclusive explanation of the possible and common events which occur in daily life in Samoa. The author makes distinctions among the activities of different age groups in the community. Additionally, the author establishes some facts about the importance of fishing in the community. Ultimately, this chapter allows the reader to see where each segment of life fits in Samoa.
The author did an excellent job providing imagery of a day in Samoa. I enjoyed the style of this chapter, which hits the highlights of living in Samoa. The author is able to establish a firm sense of setting without being too concentrated or long-
winded. This allows the reader to in some sense draw their own conclusions.
Chapter 3
The Samoan girl’s education is little until the age following puberty sets in. She is mostly responsible for the younger children and small household chores. She has little opportunity to be motivated or excel in an area of skill. Boys on the other hand are spurred on from childhood onward, competing and learning. The Samoan girl’s best years of life are often the mid to late teens. There is no rush for marriage.
The Samoans’ use of children to care for children appears to be a clever cycle. The ethnography neglects the roles of the older women somewhat, but I suspect it will become more clear in later chapters. The author’s claim that the late teen years are the best in the Samoan girls life seems true. Interestingly, no formal education has been present in this culture.
Chapter 4
The Samoan village is made up of thirty to forty households. Every household is presided over by a man called a matai. The structure of the family is very different and highly dependent upon relatives. Children and adults are for the most part free to move from household to household within their own bloodline or adopted bloodline. The process of choosing the next matai and the taupos, a sort of princess, is a complicated and political one. Priority is often given to bloodline relatives, but they must meet rigorous standards-- and the process is often competitive.
The free flow nature of the Samoan people is always surprising. Children being able to switch households seems like an important way to combat any abuse or misfortune a child may be born into. The highly political process of selecting a matai or taupo is interesting, though it seems like a lot of work for not much gain.
Chapter 5
The Samoan girl at around age eight to ten usually becomes part of a group of local or related girls. These girls will spend time together only for a few years until they each retreat into a more private and reserved lifestyle. Boys on the other hand keep their relationships much longer in life, often requiring a partner to speak for their interests. Overall friendship is mainly determined by family relation.
The description of the Samoan lifestyle seems very natural and expected. Young children are likely to hang out in groups while they have little responsibility and much time on their hands. Retreating into family life will cause the loss of friendships. Boys seem to have the upper hand again, enjoying a more free lifestyle concerning friendships.
Chapter 6
Children before puberty have no social recognition in the Samoan culture. After this age, girls are divided into to groups roughly resembling political structures of Samoa. The girls are often part of the Aualuma, with few responsibilities other than welcoming guests. As women there are two groups of fonos, one which works more and the other who welcomes guests.The taupo serves as a social interface between the village and other villages.
It is interesting to see the differing roles of the Samoan woman, and the little concern that others have of these roles. They seem to only play a part secondary to the established culture and political rules of the men of the society.
Chapter 7
This chapter deals with the relations between the opposite genders over time. There are discussions detailing common practices which are accepted as well as the viewpoints from each gender. Additionally the beginnings of marriage concepts are discussed.
These practices seem to vary widely among individuals. It's always informative to have this aspect of a culture examined. Overall there aren't any huge differences here--- well except the kidnappings....that's a bit different.
Chapter 8
Dancing is an important part of the Samoan culture. On the dance floor there are less restrictions between age groups and genders. It is a mechanism for releasing energy and exhorting self. Those who cannot dance are made fun of.
The break down of significant social barriers on the dance floor is interesting. While it seems we may have some parallels to this, for the most part our society keeps its structure intact at all times. The break down of these social rules is very interesting.
Chapter 9
Samoan views of personality and attitude are revealed. For the most part they are also free to express displeasure or negative feelings toward another. Privacy is not a great concern in the culture.
For the most part this is what I expected. Not a culture I would fit into well at first, but definitely exists.
Chapter 10
This chapter discusses the specifics of a Samoan girl and their ability to be skilled in certain areas. This depends on their upraising of course. The chapter also mentions that displays of affection are not common while admission of intimate facts is acceptable. Overall the Samoan girl's individuality as it relates to the average Samoan is explained.
This chapter seems to make sense in context with other things we have learned about the culture. It seems likely that the girl's mixed experiences stem from different conditions when being raised. Overall though they are similar in their beliefs and actions in society.
Chapter 11
There are negative and positive conflicts that the Samoan girl can be part of. Being different from society is considered to be a somewhat acceptable offense. Conversely actions which are frowned upon will land them in an area of negative conflict with society.
It is refreshing to see that there are two choices, even if neither is ideal. It illustrates some form of tolerance and acceptance within the society.
Chapter 12
The Samoan girl continues keeping up her skills and work throughout her maturing and aging process. Unlike the men who often retire into more relaxed areas of life. Marriage is a major milestone, pregnancy even more so.
A lot of weird things about this chapter. Taboos during pregnancy seemed crazy. .It is strange that the women continue to work at older ages too.
Chapter 13
This chapter compares American culture to the Samoan culture. Suggestions for Americans are provided as part of this process. Some ideas are even adopted from Samoan culture.
I really enjoyed this chapter, seeing the author's take on what should be brought over and how to interpret the two cultures together. For the most part I agree with her findings still.
Chapter 14
The American education system is reviewed and compared to Samoan education. Suggestions for our system are given. They are focused around reducing stress levels.
For the most part I agreed with her evaluation, and that is evaluating America today. I guess we haven't made much progress.
Appendix II
The author explains her approaches and limitations for collecting data on the Samoa girl. She cites that a larger more linear study might be preferable for general use, but that from a psychological stand point, the qualitative details are much more important. The author also details her methodology and explains which data she did not report on and her reasoning.
The author did a good job explaining herself and her limitations in this chapter. She lets it be known that this isn’t the greatest ever study, but is what she can do at full capacity. She also reminds us that the book is about the Samoan girl’s coming of age, and that those are the details reported.
Appendix III
Discusses the growth of the Samoan culture to interact with more modern cultures. This impact is highlighted in the data presented. Information is provided regarding the common social structures of modern societies and their impact on the Samoans.
I always find the appendices to be of interest and value. Everyone should present data like this when they perform research. It is just pleasing to have access to raw data that was collected.
Appendix V
The author presents the quantitative and classifiable data which she collected while observing the Samoans.The author also explains that the testing she administered could not be standardized, but it allowed her the chance to gain other knowledge about the children.
This chapter seems to be a good overview of the data collected. It might be more interesting to see each of the subjects she studied given their own profile. This would seem to be more her style and maybe more interesting to an ethnography reader.
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