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 The law was repealed in 1950, but it had a lasting impact on the social and cultural fabric of Papua New Guinea.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