Tongan's Cultural Survival

Again due to its isolated location on the globe, Tonga and its people have been able to maintain their culture about as well as any area could expect in this day and age. With that said, the expansion and influence of western culture is overwhelming and many of the traditional styles of the Tongan people have been changed, converted, or adapted into a culture that is more recognizable with that of the western world. There are still some customs or beliefs that Tongans are trying to hold on to, but the times are making it increasingly difficult.

            As the western influence progresses so does the need for land. Much of the land in Tonga is being sold for commercial use, and also being commercially owned. This does not settle well with many Tongans who have forever practiced a policy of kin-based ownership. Where certain land belongs to a certain family and that land is passed down through generation. This is a particular sensitive issue for the Tongan people because they take their families and the roles within their families very seriously. To them, this is a direct encroachment of their family system and their beliefs. Due to the money issues, and other policies ownership including migration, private individual ownership of land in Tonga in becoming increasingly difficult.

            Also women are advocates of trying to maintain some of the more traditional aspects of the Tongan culture. As mentioned before, women were or high standing in the Tongan society, especially in the ranking system. But the along with the positives that come from western expansion, so do the negatives, most notably, the unequal treatment of women especially in the professional world. This transition has threatened the well being of the women of Tonga who still want to practice their traditional ways, but financial problems and fear of being left behind is forcing them to embrace the outside influence, customs, and social practices.