| Becoming Tongan: An Ethnography of Childhood Contributor(s): Morton, Helen (Author) |
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ISBN: 0824817958 ISBN-13: 9780824817954 Publisher: University of Hawaii Press OUR PRICE: $31.35 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: August 1996 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Children's Studies - Social Science | Anthropology - Cultural & Social |
| Dewey: 305.230 |
| LCCN: 95041374 |
| Physical Information: 0.87" H x 6.16" W x 9.28" (1.09 lbs) 360 pages |
| Themes: - Cultural Region - Oceania |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: In this first detailed account of growing up in Tonga, Helen Morton focuses on the influence of anga fakatonga (the Tongan way) in all facets of Tongan childhood, from the antenatal period to late adolescence. Childhood is a crucial period when cultural identity and notions of tradition are constructed, as well as beliefs about self, personhood, and emotion. Based on her anthropological fieldwork and her experiences in Tonga over several years, Morton traces the Tongan socialization process--from being vale (ignorant, socially incompetent) to becoming poto (clever, socially competent)--in fascinating detail. The socialization of emotion is also given detailed attention, especially the management of anger and emphasis on emotional restraint. |