Adapting Culture in a Colonial and Capitalized World: Role Strain and Acculturation in Hawaiian and Samoan Families.

Abstract

Despite being known for its culture of generosity, tropical beaches, and tourist-friendly atmosphere, Hawai‘i’s colonial history and present-day political economy have extended social stratification along ethnic lines, resulting in a number of unfortunate outcomes. In particular, Hawaiian and Samoan families residing in Hawai‘i have been negatively influenced by social stratification, and have had to adapt their cultures to survive in a capitalist society. This paper explores how acculturation into an American capitalist culture contributes to role strain for Hawaiian and Samoan families by analyzing seven focus groups with Hawaiian and Samoan participants (N = 45). Although findings from prior acculturation studies with ethnic minorities provide mixed results, the data in this study demonstrate that forced acculturation into a competitive, individualistic, and capitalistic culture severely deepens role strain for Hawaiian and Samoan families. Policy recommendations are made, suggesting that Western institutions in the Pacific and continental United States acculturate to Pacific Island mores, reversing the colonial trajectory that has caused frustration among Hawaiian and Samoan families.