Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Book Reading #42 - Coming of Age in Samoa

Reference:
Coming of Age in Samoa
Margaret Mead
1928 Harper-Perennial

Summary:
Modern Samoa is much more preserved than other cultures in Polynesia.  In many respects life continues as it has for centuries.  There are few obvious marks of western influence, as the natives still use many traditional tools and live in traditional shelters.  However, some western technology had changed parts of Samoan life (such as the cessation of building large boats, since a Navy vessel can transport people).  Western culture has influinced Samoan culture in some ways, and modern Samoan society is much more forgiving than in ages past.

Discussion:
I'm somewhat surprised at how much of the Samoan culture has survived over the years.  I figured that at least the architecture would change, but I guess that when living in the tropics, an open house is preferable to an enclosed one (especially without air conditioning).

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