Cultural institutions and development in a small island state : fa’a Samoa, collective well- being and resilience

Abstract

This article discusses the importance of fa’a Samoa (the Samoan way of life) also as a development framework that helps inform how and when cultural institutions become vehicles for economic transformation. This article argues that the ‘aiga (extended family), matai (leadership) system, village governance, customary land, reciprocal obligations and diaspora networks in Samoa are key to household and community economic decisions: they shape the incentive structure, resource allocation, risk sharing, public goods, investment and resilience in the country. The paper integrates institutional economics, social capital theory, collective action analysis and the capability approach into a conceptual framework explaining the development effects of fa’a Samoa. The paper argues that the effects of cultural institutions of fa’a Samoa are conditional rather than uniformly positive or negative. They enhance household and community welfare when obligations are proportionate and authority is accountable. In addition, when clear rights and participation are inclusive, they adapt to changing conditions over time and become pathways to economic development. However, development can be constrained when fa’a Samoa obligations become excessive, land-use rights remain uncertain, accountability is weak or participation is unequal.