EFFECTS OF POPULATION GROWTH ON SOCIAL STRUCTURE

EFFECTS OF POPULATION GROWTH ON SOCIAL STRUCTURE

As the population increased, people settled permanently which resulted in the formation of social organization known as the “mataqali” or the family unit.

The “mataqali” was headed by a “Turaga” or chief
Land use was decided by the “ mataqali” and in some parts of Fiji by a smaller group within the village known as “tokatoka”.
Political authority was organized within, whereby everyone was given a position: chiefs, the chief’s assistance, speakers and orators, organizers of ceremonies, priests and warriors.

Chiefs at different levels

Chiefs responsibility:

a. A chief of the leading family of each village

b. A chief of whole island or large district

c. A great chief – ruling several islands and other regions

a. Control of food production

b. Decision about village life

c. Protection of the people from attackers

d. Uphold village law

These chiefs had power of all life and death over their people and they commanded great respect.
As the population grew and competition for power and status increased, the “yavusa” joined to form a “vanua” (a small alliance).
Later, several vanua would join to form a larger political group the “matanitu”.

Note