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Growing Up In Samoa in the 1920s

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Gender is a term that is used to differentiate between two types of individuals present in a community. It will not only stop there but it goes on discriminating against two individuals based on their gender. It is also used to determine our actions like what we do, who we are, what we will become, where we can go, the life choices we have, etc. These thoughts are fed to over mind from birth. Gender is a term that is used to define biological distinctions between males and females. Now it is used to understand the money of the inequalities and power relations between men and women in society. Here we come across how girls and boys are brought up or socially differentiated. The term socialization is not uniform and is socially determined which is continuously changing over time.

Growing up in Samoa

Growing Up in Samoa

Growing Up as Boys and Girls

As soon as a child takes birth he is discriminated against in one or other ways which further goes on to describe the kind of work they can do, the work they can choose. A boy or a girl is an important identification mark used to identify an individual. Based on whether it’s a boy or girl society goes on teaching us the acceptable behavior of each boy and girl, the kind of work they can do or cannot do. The society we live in cannot see that both boys and girls are the same. Different kinds of roles are assigned to them in order to prepare them for the upcoming future. It is true that most societies will look at work done by men and women in a different way. The work done by a man is given more importance than that done by a woman. There are so many inequalities between men and women that emerge in the area of work.

Growing up in Samoa in the 1920s

Growing up in Samoa in the 1920s could have been inspired by the cultural, social, and historic context of the time. Here are some aspects that can have characterized the upbringing of women in Samoa throughout that period:

1. Fa’a Samoa (Samoan Culture and Traditions): Samoan tradition in the 1920s changed into deeply rooted in tradition and upheld strong communal values. Girls might be raised with a focus on respecting elders, following cultural protocols, and maintaining a close-knit circle of relatives connections. Traditional practices, consisting of storytelling, dance, and weaving, would be integral elements of their upbringing.

2. Gender Roles and Expectations: Traditional gender roles were greater described in Samoa all through this time. Girls were commonly socialized to tackle domestic responsibilities, consisting of cooking, cleaning, and worrying for younger siblings. Education for women turned into less common in comparison to boys, and there could have been limited opportunities for formal training.

3. Importance of Family and Community: The extended own family played an important function in the upbringing of girls in Samoa. Girls could have grown up in a supportive community of households that provided guidance, protection, and a sense of belonging. Community gatherings and ceremonies have been essential activities for girls to find out about their cultural history and socialize with peers.

4. Role Models and Leadership: Female function models in management positions might have been restrained in the course of this era, as conventional management roles were regularly held by guys. However, inside the circle of relatives and networks, reputable lady elders might have served as position models and sources of information for young ladies.

5. Exposure to Western Influences: The Twenties marked a length of expanded touch with Western cultures due to colonial impacts. Western ideas, apparel patterns, and academic systems started to make their way into Samoan society. This exposure to door effects may additionally have added modifications in social norms and expectations for women, including notions of modesty and splendor requirements.

6. Limited Access to Modern Amenities: Samoa in the Twenties was nevertheless noticeably remoted and lacked many cutting-edge facilities. Access to healthcare, power, and superior schooling could have been constrained, specifically in rural areas. Girls could have grown up in a less difficult way of life, counting on traditional knowledge and practices for their day-by-day needs.

It’s crucial to observe that the experiences of girls in Samoa at some stage in the Twenties might have been numerous depending on factors consisting of a circle of relatives history, geographical region, and personal circumstances. While conventional cultural values would have stimulated their upbringing, outside impacts, and societal adjustments have been starting to form the panorama of Samoa in the course of this time.

Responsibilities are given to boys and girls

Even if they didn’t go to school they were thought by their parents in such a manner that there was an almost similar division of work labor among boys and girls in Samoa. They learned many things such as how to take care of children or do household work from elder children and from adults. Fishing was the most important activity on Samoa island. Therefore the younger children were learning how to undertake long fishing expeditions taught by their parents. 

Growing up as a boy in Samoa

When a boy is born in Samoan society he is taken care of by his mother and few adults in the family. Their mothers and other adults will get rid of that boy when the boy grows a little bit and learns how to walk. More often the children as young as 5 years old are given the responsibility of taking care of these small baby boys. This responsibility is shared by both boy and girl children of the same age group of 5 years. Under the guidance of the children, those babies will grow. Again once that boy reaches the age of 5 years old he has been given the same responsibility of taking care of smaller children. This is continued until that boy reaches the age of 9 years. Once that boy becomes 9 years old he gets rid of taking care of smaller children. He is sent with other elder boys to learn to fish and plant coconut trees. Fishing and planting were the only jobs which most people of Samoa were depending for their livelihood. Planting coconut trees and fishing were the main important outdoor jobs that were taught to children of 9 years old. These two jobs fetched some recognizable amount of money. This is continued until they become teenagers. When the boy is little experienced he is sent to learn lengthy fishing expeditions. Cooking was done in special cooking houses in which major cooking tasks were handled by boys.

Growing up as a girl in Samoa

Growing up as a girl in Samoa may be motivated by cultural norms, traditions, and the social fabric of Samoan society. It is critical to notice that stories can vary relying on the man or woman’s circumstances, circle of relatives dynamics, and personal alternatives. Here are a few factors that may shape the upbringing of girls in Samoa:

1. Fa’a Samoa (Samoan Culture and Traditions): Samoan tradition locations outstanding importance on respecting elders, keeping strong own family bonds, and upholding traditional values. Girls are normally raised to include and take part in cultural practices, which include conventional dances, arts and crafts, and ceremonies.

2. Gender Roles and Expectations: Traditional gender roles in Samoa tend to be more described, with awesome responsibilities and expectancies for men and women. Girls may be socialized to assume domestic obligations, which include cooking, cleansing, and caregiving. However, it’s far well worth mentioning that societal expectancies are evolving, and there’s developing recognition of the significance of gender equality and empowering girls in Samoa.

3. Education and Opportunities: Access to education is valued in Samoan society, and efforts have been made to make certain identical academic possibilities for each boy and girl. Girls are advocated to pursue academic excellence and can have opportunities for better training and expert careers. However, demanding situations consisting of restrained sources, cultural biases, and gender-primarily based stereotypes might also nevertheless exist and have an effect on women’s instructional reviews.

4. Family and Community Support: In Samoa, the extended circle of relatives system is strong, and ladies often develop up surrounded by a supportive community of relatives. Family and network play considerable roles in nurturing and guiding ladies, providing emotional assistance, and presenting cultural knowledge and values.

5. Body Image and Beauty Standards: Like in lots of societies, beauty requirements, and body pictures can have an effect on women’s notion of themselves. In Samoa, conventional standards of splendor, which emphasize a fuller parent, have traditionally been extra universal. However, with globalization and the impact of Western media, there can be increased stress on ladies to comply with Western beauty requirements.

6. Empowerment and Leadership: Samoan ladies have the potential to be leaders and make great contributions to their communities. Efforts are being made to sell girls’ empowerment, build their shallowness, and provide them with management possibilities. Organizations and initiatives focused on girls’ schooling, fitness, and rights are operating to address demanding situations and promote gender equality in Samoa.

It is critical to not forget that reports and views can differ primarily based on character circumstances and the evolving dynamics of Samoan society. While traditional values keep forming in the upbringing of women in Samoa, there are also ongoing efforts to promote gender equality, empowerment, and inclusive possibilities for women to thrive and satisfy their abilities.

Related Links

  1. Who were tribal people?
  2. List of Major Tribes in India
  3. Some features of tribal societies

FAQs on Growing Up In Samoa in the 1920s

Q 1. What is Samoa?

Answer-

Samoa islands are the large group of small islands. These group of islands are found in the southern part of the Pacific Ocean.

Q 2. What is gender? How based on gender society differentiates.

Answer-

Gender is the most important character which is used to identify an individual. The individuals are categorized male and female individuals based on gender. The society based on gender goes on teaching boys and girls the acceptable behavior, the kind of work they can choose and the kind of work they cannot, the responsibility they have to take on.

Q 3. What are the responsibilities given to girls of age 14 years?

Answer-

After the age of 14 years, girls were given much more freedom and were allowed to go on fishing trips, working in the plantations, how to waving a basket.     

Q 4. Explain the responsibilities given to boys in Samoa in 1920.

Answer-

The baby boys were taken care of by their mothers are older children or teenage girls. Once the boy becomes 9 years old he was allowed to learn skills of fishing and plantations. After the boy reaches 15 years he was completely given responsibility of outdoor works.



Last Updated : 26 May, 2023
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