Mobility, Tradition, Adaptation: Samoa's Comparative Advantage in the Global Market Place
by Deborah Gough
Abstract
In an economic environment dominated by neo-liberal policies Samoa strives to carve out a niche. In order to do so it needs to exploit areas of comparative advantage. This paper argues that Samoa already utilises such a competitive advantage: by selling their labour across a vast diaspora Samoans already engage successfully in the world economy. Moreover, it will be argued that traditional practices, and an ease of mobility based on historical and cultural connections, provide the framework for this exploitation. By participating in Samoan life across the diaspora Samoans reinforce their relationships and fulfil their obligations. Concurrently they reproduce the social relations that strengthen culture. By doing both they demonstrate their competitive advantage in a neo-liberal world and take a step closer to a sustainable future.
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Biography
Deborah Gough is a PhD candidate with the Centre for Asian Pacific Social Transformation Studies (CAPSTRANS) and the Social Sciences Media and Communication (SSMAC) School at the University of Wollongong, Australia. The working title of her thesis is “ The creation of diasporic communities and social transformation at ‘home': A Samoan case study. Prior to commencing her PhD Deborah worked for 20 years in health and community development. Her work with Australian NGOs and as a consultant to Australia's overseas aid and development agency, AusAID, throughout the Asia Pacific region is how she initially developed an interest in Samoa. Her particular areas of interest include social change and its relationship to development and, on a more macro level, Australia 's place in Oceania and ‘partnership' with Pacific Island nations.
Deborah can be contacted at
dcg72@uow.edu.au
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