Family: Pacific perspectives

Abstract

Models that conceptualize family are employed by psychologists, governments, legislators, and policymakers to inform professional practice and formulate public policy. However, extant models are notably Western-centric in both origin and context. Given the cultural diversity of today's globalized world, it is timely to question whether such models can adequately represent populations within their ambit. This paper takes Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems model as one representative way of thinking about family and employs it as the point of contrast with Pacific family arrangements. Particular consideration is given to Indigenous Fijian (iTaukei), Tongan, and M aori perspectives. The model was found to be inadequate for representing Pacific family arrangements. This finding has important implications as it creates a space for new insights and possibilities. To this end, key family-related metaphors common among Pacific peoples have been incorporated to conceptualize one potential alternative.