The Political Aspect of Paternalism in Papua New Guinea from 1884 to 1975

Papua New Guinea was a colony of Australia from 1884 to 1975. During this period, the Australian government implemented policies of paternalism, which aimed to control and regulate the lives of the indigenous population. This blog will discuss two examples of paternalistic policies in Papua New Guinea: the suppression of intelligentsia and the Protection and Welfare policy administered through the Native Administration Act 1921.

Suppression of Intelligentsia

One of the ways in which the Australian government implemented paternalistic policies in Papua New Guinea was through the suppression of intelligentsia. In 1923, education funding was 18,000 Australian dollars, but by 1937, it had been reduced to a mere 5,000 dollars. This reduction in funding had a significant impact on the education system in Papua New Guinea, as it limited the number of schools and teachers available to the indigenous population. This policy was designed to prevent the development of an educated elite that could challenge the authority of the Australian government.

Protection and Welfare Policy

Another example of paternalistic policies in Papua New Guinea was the Protection and Welfare policy administered through the Native Administration Act 1921. This policy aimed to protect the indigenous population from exploitation by European settlers and to provide them with basic services such as healthcare and education. However, the policy was implemented in a way that reinforced the power of the Australian government over the indigenous population. For example, the policy required indigenous people to obtain permits to leave their villages, which restricted their freedom of movement and made it difficult for them to find work outside of their communities.

Conclusion

The political aspect of paternalism in Papua New Guinea from 1884 to 1975 was characterized by policies that aimed to control and regulate the lives of the indigenous population. The suppression of intelligentsia and the Protection and Welfare policy administered through the Native Administration Act 1921 were two examples of these policies. While these policies were designed to protect the indigenous population, they were implemented in a way that reinforced the power of the Australian government over the indigenous population.

Citations:

[1] https://academic.oup.com/book/6410/chapter/150195679

[2] https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/115128/2/b11197559.pdf

[3] https://pacificinstitute.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/resources-links/DSC_monograph_13.pdf

[4] https://www.jstor.org/publisher/ucal

[5] https://www.jstor.org/subject/politicalscience

[6] https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/international-review-of-social-history/article/compulsory-mine-work-the-singleparty-regime-and-the-zonguldak-coalfield-as-a-site-of-contention-19401947/1FC960E6208C41EDC3110303BB98EB77

The Social Aspect of Paternalism in Papua New Guinea 1884-1975

During the colonial period, paternalism was a dominant feature of the relationship between the colonizers and the colonized. Paternalism is a system in which those in power provide for the needs of those under their control, but also restricts their freedom and autonomy. In this blog, we will discuss the social aspect of paternalism in Papua New Guinea from 1884 to 1975, focusing on three themes: inferiority complex, racial restriction, and discrimination.

 Inferiority Complex

One of the most significant aspects of paternalism in Papua New Guinea was the belief that the Papuans were inferior in physical and mental make-up. This belief was prevalent among the colonizers until 1936 when Catholic Priest Father Liou's Vangkeke of Yule Island returned from Madagascar as an ordained Catholic priest. This event challenged the belief that Papuans were inferior and paved the way for the recognition of their intellectual and spiritual capabilities.

 Racial Restriction

Another aspect of paternalism in Papua New Guinea was racial restriction. For example, in 1929, the White Women Act was passed, which prohibited white women from marrying non-white men. This law was an attempt to maintain racial purity and prevent the mixing of races. The law was repealed in 1950, but it had a lasting impact on the social and cultural fabric of Papua New Guinea.

 Discrimination

Informal attitudes towards the natives were also discriminatory. The colonizers believed that the Papuans were primitive and uncivilized, and they treated them accordingly. The Papuans were denied access to education, healthcare, and other basic services. While these services were lifted after the 1960s, discrimination played a part in the need for self-government and pressure from the United Nation for self-government by 1973. This discrimination was a significant barrier to the development of Papua New Guinea and contributed to the country's economic and social underdevelopment.

 Conclusion

In conclusion, paternalism was a dominant feature of the relationship between the colonizers and the colonized in Papua New Guinea from 1884 to 1975. The social aspect of paternalism was characterized by an inferiority complex, racial restriction, and discrimination. These factors contributed to the underdevelopment of Papua New Guinea and had a lasting impact on the country's social and cultural fabric. The study of paternalism in Papua New Guinea is essential for understanding the country's history and its current challenges.

Reference

Azeem Amarshi, Kenneth Good and Rex Mortimer in their Development and Dependency: The political economy of Papua New Guinea "A Short History of Papua New Guinea" by John Dademo Waiko "Models for Masculinity in Colonial and Postcolonial Papua New Guinea" by Martha Macintyre.

                        Picture taken from Wikimedia Commons of Samarai in 1927 

Citations:

[1] https://www.britannica.com/place/Papua-New-Guinea/The-colonial-period

[2] https://www.britannica.com/place/Papua-New-Guinea/Daily-life-and-social-customs

[3] https://www.jstor.org/stable/4017665

[4] https://www.jstor.org/stable/41999477

[5] https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australia-and-papua-new-guinea-1966-1969.pdf

[6] https://pacificinstitute.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/resources-links/Pandanus/Building_a_Nation_in_Papua_New_Guinea.pdf

Paternalistic Policy in Papua New Guinea 1884-1974: Ideology and Strategies

Introduction 

Papua New Guinea (PNG) was a colony of Australia from 1884 to 1975. During this period, the Australian government implemented a paternalistic policy towards the indigenous population. This policy was based on the idea that the indigenous people were primitive and needed to be "civilized" by the colonizers. In this blog, we will explore the ideology and strategies of the paternalistic policy in PNG, with a focus on the examples of Governor William McGregor and later Governor Paul Husluck 

 Ideology of Paternalistic Policy

The ideology of paternalistic policy in PNG was based on the belief that the indigenous people were inferior and needed to be "civilized" by the colonizers. This ideology was rooted in the idea of the "civilizing mission," which was a common justification for colonialism in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The idea was that the colonizers had a duty to bring civilization to the "uncivilized" people they were colonizing. In the case of PNG, this meant establishing contact with the natives and introducing them to Western ways of life.

Governor William McGregor was a key figure in the implementation of the paternalistic policy in PNG. McGregor believed that the indigenous people were "backward" and needed to be "civilized" through education and the introduction of Western technology. McGregor established a network of schools throughout the colony and encouraged the indigenous people to adopt Western ways of life. McGregor's policy was based on the idea that the indigenous people could be "uplifted" through education and exposure to Western culture.

Later, Governor Paul Hasluck continued the paternalistic policy in PNG. Hasluck believed that the indigenous people needed to be "modernized" through the introduction of menial labor. Hasluck implemented a peasant-based strategy that encouraged the indigenous people to work on plantations and in other menial jobs. Hasluck's policy was based on the idea that the indigenous people needed to be "trained" to work in the modern economy.

Strategies of Paternalistic Policy

The paternalistic policy in PNG was implemented through a variety of strategies. One of the key strategies was the establishment of schools and the introduction of Western education. The idea was that the indigenous people could be "uplifted" through education and exposure to Western culture. Another strategy was the introduction of menial labor through a peasant-based strategy. The idea was that the indigenous people needed to be "trained" to work in the modern economy.

The paternalistic policy in PNG was also implemented through the work of missionaries. The missionaries played a key role in the "civilizing mission" by introducing the indigenous people to Christianity and Western culture. The missionaries established schools and churches throughout the colony and encouraged the indigenous people to adopt Western ways of life.

Chapter 13 of "Development and Dependency: The Political Economy of Papua New Guinea"

Chapter 13 of "Development and Dependency: The Political Economy of Papua New Guinea" by Azim Amarshi, Kenneth Good, and Rex Mortimer discusses the paternalistic and mystification aspects of the colonial policy in PNG. The authors argue that the paternalistic policy was a form of mystification that was used to justify the exploitation of the indigenous people. The authors also argue that the paternalistic policy was a form of dependency that kept the indigenous people in a state of economic and political subordination.

In conclusion, the paternalistic policy in PNG was based on the ideology of the "civilizing mission" and the belief that the indigenous people were inferior and needed to be "civilized" by the colonizers. The policy was implemented through a variety of strategies, including the establishment of schools, the introduction of menial labor, and the work of missionaries. While the policy was intended to "uplift" the indigenous people, it was also a form of mystification and dependency that kept them in a state of economic and political subordination.

We will look at the social aspect of the paternalistic policy in the next blog 

Citations

[1] https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10978-021-09300-3

[2] http://www.paclii.org/journals/fJSPL/vol12no2/pdf/imbun.pdf

[3] https://www.jstor.org/stable/43052904

[4] https://www.britannica.com/place/Papua-New-Guinea/The-colonial-period

[5] https://www.jstor.org/stable/10.5263/labourhistory.98.1.163

[6] https://pacificinstitute.anu.edu.au/sites/default/files/resources-links/Pandanus/Building_a_Nation_in_Papua_New_Guinea.pdf 

The Colonial State in the Mandated Territory of Papua and Niugini from 1884 to 1975: Features of Paternalistic Policy

Introduction 

The colonial state in the Mandated Territory of Papua and Niugini from 1884 to 1975 was characterized by paternalistic policies. These policies were implemented by the Australian government, which administered the territory from 1906 to 1975. In this blog post, we will discuss the features of paternalistic policy in the colonial state.

 Definition of Paternalistic Policy

Paternalistic policy refers to a type of governance in which the government assumes the role of a father figure, taking care of its subjects' needs and interests. This type of policy is often associated with colonialism, where the colonizing power assumes the responsibility of providing for the colonized people

Features of Paternalistic Policy in the Colonial State

The following are some of the features of paternalistic policy in the colonial state:

Assimilation 

The colonial government aimed to assimilate the indigenous people into the dominant culture. This was done through the imposition of Western education, religion, and values. The government believed that the indigenous people would be better off if they adopted Western ways of life.

 Control

 The colonial government exercised strict control over the lives of the indigenous people. This was done through the imposition of laws and regulations that restricted their movements, economic activities, and social interactions. The government believed that this was necessary to maintain law and order in the territory.

 Protection

 The colonial government assumed the responsibility of protecting the indigenous people from harm. This was done through the establishment of police forces and the imposition of laws that aimed to protect the indigenous people from exploitation and abuse.

Development

The colonial government aimed to develop the territory economically and socially. This was done through the establishment of infrastructure such as roads, schools, and hospitals. The government believed that this would improve the lives of the indigenous people and make them more productive.

 Impact of Paternalistic Policy

The impact of paternalistic policy on the indigenous people was mixed. On the one hand, the policy provided some benefits such as access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure. However, access was limited to where the white settlers were located and mostly around administrative centers around the mandated territory. 

On the other hand, the policy also had negative consequences such as the loss of cultural identity, the restriction of economic activities, and the erosion of traditional social structures.

In conclusion, paternalistic policy was a defining feature of the colonial state in the Mandated Territory of Papua and Niugini from 1884 to 1975. The policy aimed to assimilate, control, protect, and develop the indigenous people. While the policy provided some benefits, it also had negative consequences. Understanding the features and impact of paternalistic policy is crucial in understanding the history and development of Papua New Guinea.

In the next blog we will look into specific social, political and ideological arguments of the paternalistic colonial policy 

Citations:

[1] https://www.academia.edu/66162116/Factors_Influencing_Papua_New_Guinea_s_Foreign_Policy_in_the_Twenty_First_Century

[2] https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/series/pacific/state-society-papua-new-guinea-2001%E2%80%932021

[3] https://press.anu.edu.au/publications/state-and-society-papua-new-guinea

[4] https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/156980/1/PhD%20Thesis%20-%20Philip%20Mitna%202019.pdf

[5] https://chicagounbound.uchicago.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=3338&context=uclrev

[6] https://ndl.ethernet.edu.et/bitstream/123456789/2657/1/40.pdf.pdf

New Guinea Plantation: A Classical Colony - Exploring the Political Economy from 1884 to the 1940s

Introduction
In this blog post, we will delve into the political economy of New Guinea Plantation, a classical colony, from 1884 to the 1940s. Drawing insights from the book "Development and Dependency: The Political Economy of Papua New Guinea" by Azim Amarshi, Kenneth Good, and Rex Mortimer, we will explore three key themes: the strong interest from Germany in establishing the plantation system, the serious shortage of labor that affected its growth, and the Australian mercantilism after 1914.

1. Strong Interest from Germany in Establishing Plantation System

During this period, Germany showed a significant interest in establishing a plantation system in New Guinea. The German colonial administration aimed to exploit the region's natural resources, particularly copra and rubber, for economic gain. The establishment of plantations was seen as a means to extract wealth and establish control over the territory.

2. Serious Shortage of Labor

One of the major challenges faced by the plantation system in New Guinea was the serious shortage of labor. The German administration struggled to attract sufficient labor to support the growth of plantations. Various factors contributed to this shortage, including the harsh working conditions, the remoteness of the region, and the resistance of indigenous populations to forced labor.

3. Australian Mercantilism after 1914

Following the transfer of New Guinea to Australian administration in 1914, a shift in economic policies occurred. Australia adopted a mercantilist approach, aiming to maximize its own economic benefits from the colony. This involved strict control over trade, favoring Australian businesses, and limiting the development of local industries. The focus shifted from plantation development to resource extraction, particularly minerals, which further impacted the growth of the plantation system.

Conclusion

The period from 1884 to the 1940s witnessed the establishment and development of the New Guinea Plantation system. The strong interest from Germany, driven by economic motives, laid the foundation for the plantation economy. However, the serious shortage of labor and the subsequent shift in economic policies under Australian administration posed significant challenges to its growth. The Australian mercantilist approach prioritized resource extraction over the development of local industries, further impacting the plantation system.

Understanding the political economy of New Guinea Plantation during this period provides valuable insights into the historical dynamics and challenges faced by the colony. It highlights the complex interplay between colonial powers, labor shortages, and economic policies that shaped the development of Papua New Guinea.

References:
Amarshi, A., Good, K., & Mortimer, R. (1979). Development and Dependency: The Political Economy of Papua New Guinea. JSTOR.

Citations:
[1] https://www.jstor.org/stable/25168873
[2] https://www.dfat.gov.au/sites/default/files/australia-and-papua-new-guinea-1966-1969.pdf
[3] https://youtube.com/channel/UC2yUJsXSFIv6T4y2bnCgNDA
[4] https://www.jstor.org/stable/29790114
[5] https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/110281/4/b20702243-OTTO%20ONDAWANE.pdf
[6] https://www.adb.org/sites/default/files/publication/28919/political-economy-economic-reform-pac.pdf

The Mandated Territory of Papua (1884-1940s): Exploring Themes of Underdevelopment, Uncertainty, and Mercantilism

Welcome to the course on Papua New Guinea politics at the University of Papua New Guinea. In this course, we will delve into the rich history, politics, and economy of Papua New Guinea. As we embark on this journey, we will acknowledge the book "Dependency and Development: The Political Economy of Papua New Guinea" by Azim Amarshi, Kenneth Good, and Rex Mortimer, specifically focusing on Chapter 2. 

In this blog post number 2, we will discuss the mandated territory of Papua from 1884 to the 1940s, exploring three key themes: the lack of investment in the Papua region, uncertainty in defining economic policy, and the impact of Australian mercantilism.

1. Lack of investment in the Papua region:

During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the underdevelopment of the sugar and dairy industries in Queensland, Australia, played a significant role in the lack of investment in the Papua region. Queensland's economy heavily relied on these industries, which resulted in limited attention and resources being directed towards the development of Papua. This underinvestment had long-lasting effects on the economic growth and infrastructure development in the region.

2. Uncertainty in defining economic policy:

The transfer of the territory from British to Australian control in 1905 through the Papua Act, the economic depression of 1929, and the impact of World War I created a sense of uncertainty in defining economic policy in the mandated territory of Papua. These events disrupted the stability and continuity of economic planning, making it challenging for policymakers to establish a clear and consistent direction for economic development. The shifting political landscape and external factors further complicated the process of defining and implementing effective economic policies.

3. Australian Mercantilism:

One of the notable examples of Australian mercantilism in the mandated territory of Papua was the Navigation Act of 1929. This act required all goods imported into Australia to be carried on Australian-owned ships, effectively excluding foreign ships from the Australian trade. The Navigation Act limited the ability of local producers in Papua to export their goods to Australia, the main market for their products. This restriction on trade hindered the growth of the domestic industry and made it difficult for local producers to compete with cheaper imports from Australia.

These themes of underdevelopment, uncertainty, and mercantilism shaped the economic landscape of the mandated territory of Papua from 1884 to the 1940s. The lack of investment, coupled with the challenges in defining economic policy and the impact of Australian mercantilism, had a profound effect on the region's development and economic growth.

As we explore the political dynamics of Papua New Guinea in this course, we will continue to examine the historical factors that have shaped the country's political and economic landscape. The book "Dependency and Development: The Political Economy of Papua New Guinea" by Amarshi, Good, and Mortimer will serve as a valuable resource for our discussions.

Citations:

[1] https://books.google.com/books/about/Development_and_Dependency.html?id=uK-1AAAAIAAJ

[2] https://www.dromanabooks.com/product/135981/DEVELOPMENT-AND-DEPENDENCY-The-Political-Economy-of-Papua-New-Guinea

[3] https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/Record/2810122

[4] https://www.jstor.org/stable/25168873

[5] https://www.jstor.org/stable/2756119

[6] https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/87018/2005-12-19.pdf

The Impact of Primitive Accumulation on the Mandated Territory of Papua and Niugini (1884-1940s): A Study of Labor and Land

Welcome to the course on Papua New Guinea politics at the University of Papua New Guinea. In this course, we will explore the history, politics, and culture of Papua New Guinea. In this blog post, we will discuss the concept of "Primitive Accumulation" and its impact on the mandated territory of Papua and Niugini from 1884 to the 1940s under German and Australian administration, with a focus on the issue of labor shortage and land scarcity that affected the plantation economy. We will use the example of the New Guinea Kompagnie from 1878 to 1914.

Primitive Accumulation refers to the process by which capital is accumulated through the dispossession of land and the exploitation of labor. In the case of Papua and Niugini, the period from 1884 to the 1940s saw significant changes in the economic landscape under both German and Australian administration. The New Guinea Kompagnie, which operated from 1878 to 1914, played a crucial role in the plantation economy during this time.

1. Labor Shortage 

One of the key issues faced by the plantation economy in Papua and Niugini was a shortage of labor. The New Guinea Kompagnie, under German administration, relied heavily on indigenous labor for its plantations. However, the demand for labor exceeded the available workforce, leading to the recruitment of laborers from other parts of the region, such as the people from Melanesia and the Asian region (Malayia, Indonesia and parts of mainland Aisa). This influx of labor had a significant impact on the social and cultural dynamics of the region however the climate, temperature and the environment were not conducive to those that were brought in to work on plantation as many died of malaria and other disease associated with a temperate climate.

2. Land Scarcity

 Another challenge faced by the plantation economy was the scarcity of land. The New Guinea Kompagnie acquired large tracts of land for its plantations, often through coercive means. This led to the displacement of indigenous communities and the loss of their traditional lands. The limited availability of land for cultivation also hindered the expansion of the plantation economy.

The impact of Primitive Accumulation on the mandated territory of Papua and Niugini during this period was profound. The dispossession of land and the exploitation of labor had far-reaching consequences for the indigenous communities and the overall development of the region. The plantation economy, although profitable for the colonial powers, perpetuated social inequalities and disrupted traditional ways of life.

In conclusion, the concept of Primitive Accumulation had a significant impact on the mandated territory of Papua and Niugini from 1884 to the 1940s. The New Guinea Kompagnie, as an example of the plantation economy, exemplified the issues of labor shortage and land scarcity that affected the region. As we delve into the study of Papua New Guinea politics in this course, we will continue to explore the historical and political implications of such processes on the development of the region.

Citations:

[1] https://www.jstor.org/stable/25168873

[2] https://library.ucsd.edu/dc/object/bb4267480j/_1.pdf

[3] https://www.files.ethz.ch/isn/87018/2005-12-19.pdf

[4] http://paddle.usp.ac.fj/collect/paddle/index/assoc/col005.dir/doc.pdf

[5] https://www.jstor.org/stable/2756119

[6] https://mro.massey.ac.nz/xmlui/bitstream/10179/2795/1/02_whole.pdf