Ebook: Adoption in Eastern Oceania

This volume contains twelve very detailed ethnographic studies of the adoption of children as practiced on the island societies of Eastern Oceania (Polynesia, Micronesia, and Island Melanesia). Each of the chapters places adoption in the context of the total kinship system and adduces other relevant matters, such as land tenure and politics—thus providing a comprehensive ethnographic sketch of several societies which have hitherto been represented poorly in the anthropological literature. The societies covered are Hawaii (ancient and modern), Tahiti, Raroia (Tuamotu Archipelago), Nukuoro, Kapingamarangi, Gilbert Islands (both northern and southern), Ponape, Truk, Rotuma, and the Northern New Hebrides. Each chapter also adduces explanations to account for the extraordinarily high incidence of adoption in this culture area and the reasons for the persistence of adoption customs in the face of overwhelming social and cultural change. An introductory chapter contrasts the main features of Oceanic adoption with adoption in the United States and summarizes the main issues in studies of this kind. A concluding chapter by Ward Goodenough indicates the way in which even greater theoretical clarity may be achieved in future studies of this kind.

Incorporating as it does the first fruits of recent research by many younger scholars, the studies in this book represent a substantial contribution to Oceanic ethnography. Apart from its obvious interest to specialists in Pacific cultures, this volume is of interest to anyone interested in the theory and practice of comparative social anthropology and the cross-cultural study of social institutions. It is also a contribution to the study of kinship.

Sociologists and social welfare workers will find this volume a useful baseline from which to take a fresh look at American adoption from the vantage point of a contrasting culture area.