article

Succession disputes and the position of the nobility in modern Tonga

Oceania47 • Published In 1977 • Pages: 220-241, 284-299

By: Marcus, George E..

Abstract
This source deals with both formal and informal disputes amongst Tongan nobles over succession to titles. Most of the disputes have involved nobles created by King Tupou I's reforms. The author distinguishes between chiefly status inherited by aristocratic descent and noble status linked to constitutionally created offices of title holders. He links disputes over titles to Westernizing influences that give rise to individualization and competition for property.
Subjects
Acculturation and culture contact
Sociocultural trends
Real property
Inheritance
Status, role, and prestige
Classes
Ingroup antagonisms
Adoption
Kin relationships
Lineages
Citizenship
Chief executive
Legal norms
Litigation
Legal and judicial personnel
Trial procedure
culture
Tongans
HRAF PubDate
2006
Region
Oceania
Sub Region
Polynesia
Document Type
article
Evaluation
Creator Type
Ethnographer
Document Rating
4: Excellent Secondary Data
5: Excellent Primary Data
Analyst
Eleanor C. Swanson; 1978
Field Date
1972-1975
Coverage Date
ca.1875-1960s
Coverage Place
Tonga
Notes
George E. Marcus
Includes bibliographical references (p. 298-299)
LCCN
38017490
LCSH
Tongans