Black Stones in the Black Stone (Naganivatu)- the contemporary social and economic aspects of women’s lives in Fiji
Date Issued
2012
Date
2012
Author(s)
Lee, Meng-Shan
Abstract
Naganivatu, Viti Levu, is a village of 53 households along the downstream Rewa River. The village economy is mainly based on women''s task, that is, they dive for freshwater mussels (kai) and sell out in the markets. Men plant taros, cassavas, and sweet potatoes mainly for subsistence rather than sale.
In this research, I describe the process and ways of collecting and selling the kai. Through this activity, I analyze the economic aspects of social lives and interactions between women. Then, I present the importance and the meaning of cash in the contemporary Fijian village lives. Also, I examine how the special production, namely collecting the kai, and its economic contributions leave impacts on traditional gender relations. In addition, women’s contributions and their ways of manipulating the cash are recognized when they meet collective needs, exchanges, and social obligations of kinships. In sum, women’s economic activity leaves them space to challenge the traditional hierarchical order, but at the same time, women’s contribution and participation to the social gathering and rituals also reinforce the hierarchical society.
Subjects
Fiji
women
hierarchy
cash
freshwater mussel (kai)
Type
thesis
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