Difference between Pacific and European Families in Family Structure and Authority

Difference between Pacific and European Families in Family Structure and Authority
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Difference between Pacific and European Families in Family Structure and Authority
The differences between small western families and extended families in the Pacific in terms of family structures are influenced by traditional and societal values that dictate the obligations of different family members. At the same time, cultural changes over time reflect the weakening of family ties, especially in western (European) societies, which has resulted in declining personal responsibilities and obligations toward other family members. The organization of the family unit also determines the extent to which individuals are attached to their families and are obligated to fulfill certain responsibilities. For instance, the family unit in the western context usually refers to the nuclear family, consisting of the husband, wife, and their children. In the Pacific region, which includes Asian and Oceanic countries such Samoa and Fiji, the family unit consists, in addition to the nuclear family, members and relatives with a shared lineage or kinship ties resulting from adoption and marriage. In this regard, the extended and flexible nature of kinship ties in Pacific communities requires some sort of ordered family structures to ensure effective functioning in the family.
Patriarchal values are the major point of distinction between European and Pacific communities with regards to the authority of different members within the family. In Pacific communities, patriarchal values are still strong, which places more authority on male members. The husband/father is the head of the family, while wives play subordinate roles. In extended families, howev...