Sharing and Compassion: Fosterage in a Polynesian Society

In: Journal of comparative family studies, Band 30, Heft 4, S. 703-722

Abstract

On Sikaiana, a small isolated Polynesian atoll, there are very high rates of fosterage and many children move between several different caretakers. Fosterage is an important way to express Sikaiana values of generosity and build social relations. Sikaiana fosterage provides an example of how several different families can share responsibilities for raising children. Sikaiana fosterage also provides a comparative perspective for examining American and other Western family systems where there is a widespread preference for the exclusive rearing of children within one family.