Reference:
Coming of Age in Samoa
Margaret Mead
1928 Harper Perennial
Summary:
Mead describes Samoan sexual relationships. Overall, they are more casual than Western relationships. Intermediaries are often used during the courtship period, and virginity is rarely expected to last until marriage. The exception is the taupo, or the daughter of the villiage chief. She is sheltered and guarded at all hours, and can only marry outside of the villiage.
Discussion:
While Samoan attitudes on sex seem much more casual than those of the West, I am surprised at the almost casual regard of rape. As described, it seems like more of a game than a violation, and the typical punishment for those caught in the act is simply ridicule. For that matter, Mead has yet to discuss any kind of justice system in Samoa. It seems to all be done locally according to custom, though future chapters might explain it in further detail.
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