Book Reading # 12 - Coming of AGe in Samoa (Ch 4)

CHapter 4

Reference Info:

Summary:
The chapter focuses on the household unit of Samoa. Mead explains about the matai and the different reigns they have over a household, which can range over a span of different houses. The rank of obidience is dictated by age, not time. The older being obeyed by the younger and where the matai  recieves obidence from all under his household regardless of age. Taupo, princeses of the household are chosen by cheifs to be adroned and emphisize the girl. Sibilings being together is taboo. At about 9 or 10, the children are told to be seperate and minimize interaction. It is not untiol old age that they may once again come together. Further detail is given about the relationships and ties people have such as those who you owe obligation. The matai are exempt from petty tasks in the household. Title, not birth is strictly observed.Rivalry also plays a big role in the heirachy of status. Children, from the time they are small, slowly begin to creep in to the class system of the village.

Discussion:
This chapter really confused me in which family a member belonged to and all the different relationship statuses one had with others, despite their blood. It seems like a strict and harsh system where it is easy to loose sense of who is family.