In this first detailed account of growing up in Tonga, Helen Morton focuses on the influence of anga fakatonga (""the Tongan way"") in all facets of Tongan childhood, from the antenatal period to late adolescence. Childhood is a crucial period when cultural identity and notions of tradition are constructed, as well as beliefs about self, personhood, and emotion. Based on her anthropological fieldwork and her experiences in Tonga over several years, Morton traces the Tongan socialization process--from being vale (ignorant, socially incompetent) to becoming poto (clever, socially competent)--in fascinating detail. The socialization of emotion is also given detailed attention, especially the management of anger and emphasis on emotional restraint.
- ISBN13 9780824817589
- Publish Date 30 August 1996
- Publish Status Active
- Out of Print 3 October 2008
- Publish Country US
- Imprint University of Hawai'i Press
- Format Hardcover
- Pages 360
- Language English