article
Disentangling the 'grass roots' in Tonga: 'traditional enterprise' and autonomy in the moral and market economy
Asia Pacific viewpoint • 43 (3) • Published In 2002 • Pages: 269-292
By: James, Kerry.
Abstract
In this article, James examines economic development and change at the local level of Tonga's MIRAB economy. The local level of semi-subsistence household units accounts for 80 percent of the population. Borrowing from Weber's idea of the "generalized household," James describes an economic organization of linked household units, what he calls "traditional enterprises." According to James these units are engaged in diverse economic pursuits, some to meet household budgets, others to make a profit, all pool resources to make it work. The enterprise units continue to rely on traditional forms of exchange and reciprocity based on ceremonially maintained relationships. James ascertains to what extent these units are economically autonomous or a consequence of dependency. He also gives examples showing the difficulty international agencies have funding such traditional enterprises, because their multiple-household interests and concerns defy project-specific funding.
- HRAF PubDate
- 2006
- Region
- Oceania
- Sub Region
- Polynesia
- Document Type
- article
- Evaluation
- Creator Type
- Ethnologist
- Document Rating
- 4: Excellent Secondary Data
- 5: Excellent Primary Data
- Analyst
- Ian Skoggard; 2004
- Field Date
- unknown
- Coverage Date
- 1970-2002
- Coverage Place
- Tonga
- Notes
- Kerry E. James
- Includes bibliographical references (p. 290-292)
- LCCN
- 96658155
- LCSH
- Tongans