• All blood members and those married into the family
• People living on the family communal land

• Same as traditional

• Grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren, and other relatives

• Same as traditional
• Parents and children (few families)

• Grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren, extended family

Chamorro

• Parents and children

Carolinian

• Same as traditional

• Grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren
• Unmarried aunts, uncles, and other relatives

• Parents and children (most families)
• Grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren (some families)
  Unmarried relatives

• Grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren

• Same as traditional (most families)
• Parents and children (some families)

• Grandparents, parents, children, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, and cousins
• Ochedak (Palauan term used to refer to both a sibling or cousin)

• Grandparents, parents, children, and grandchildren

• Level 1 (immediate family): parents, children, grandparents, and grandchildren
• Level 2 (extended family): uncles, aunts, leaders, and clansmen (father figures)

• Same as Level 1, but sometimes the immediate family includes only parents and children

• Extended family includes grandparents, parents, children, cousins, aunts, uncles, and others

• Nuclear families are more common than extended families and usually include grandparents, parents, and children

• Grandparents, parents, children (including adopted), grandchildren, aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives, including spouses and children of spouses

• Same as traditional

• Fale tofa (sleeping house) for matai (head of family)
• Fale tele and faleo’o (individual traditional Samoan houses) for family members

• European-style houses
• Individual families, especially couples and their children, have their own homes

• Older siblings lived separately (under different roofs)
• Small cookhouses were separated from sleeping houses

• Some families retain traditional ways
• Some children live in the same home
• Cookhouses, utensils, and appliances are built in the homes

Chamorro

• Simple provisions
• Lived within local resources

Carolinian

• “A-Frame” mode of traditional materials without doors

Chamorro

• Western-influenced (TV, electrical appliances, etc.)

Carolinian

• Contemporary designs
• TVs, computers, electrical appliances

• Families usually lived on family owned land; property was divided evenly among all children
• Elderly parents stayed with eldest daughter, or one who could care best for them
• Newly married couples lived with husband’s families
• Families built homes of coconut thatched leaves with separate areas for cooking and eating

• Whoever takes care of parents usually inherits the family home and land; other property is divided evenly among children
• Married couples live by themselves
• Elderly and invalid family members may be sent to nursing homes when no family member can take care of them
• Homes are built by development companies and financed by mortgage loans

• All lived in home compound
• Local and simple provisions

• Nuclear families have their own homes
• Most families have cookhouses
  Boys and girls have separate rooms

• When the eldest son married, he and his wife lived at his parents’ home; eventually, they inherited both the home and everything that came with it
• When other sons married, they built their homes on the family plot surrounding their parents’ home
• Ocheraol – even when daughters are married into other families, they still must contribute to the payment of each of their brother’s houses
• Houses were made of local timber and contained things such as pandanus mats, taro pounders and scrapers, fishing gear, wooden bowls, tools, canoes, rafts, baskets, pots, adzes, spears, traps, pillows, etc.

• Many families are fighting amongst themselves for land ownership
• Some young couples live in apartment complexes and pay rent to a landlord
• Provisions fall heavily on eldest daughter, who must contribute the most money toward all of her brothers’ houses – all relatives (father’s and mother’s side) must contribute, but no one should exceed the eldest daughter’s contribution
• “House parties” (modern versions of Ocheraol) – held at restaurant, bar, or park (instead of in family homeland); anyone can donate money (close or distant relatives, friends, sometimes even politicians, who often donate to garner votes)
• Furniture in modern homes includes stoves, electrical appliances, computers, mattresses and pillows, modern utensils, TVs, irons, microwaves, beds, etc.

• Three local housing provisions: imwalap (sleeping house with private areas for parents, boys, and girls), nahs (meeting house used for meetings, cooking, feasting, and general public activities), and imwen kersapw (small hut, located inland, used for storing tools and when working on the farm)

• Houses are made with local and imported materials: imwalap and nahs are made of wood or concrete (some nahs used as sleeping houses); imwen kersapw construction is not mandated for those who rarely work the land

• All lived in compound with local provisions
• Basic human needs: food, water, shelter, and clothing

• Foreign luxury necessities, such as furniture, TV/video, radio, cookware, fishing gear, and fast transportation

Yap (mainland)

• All lived in main family house, designed differently from but same size as faluw (community clubhouse)
• Grandparents, parents, younger children, older children, and females who have menstruated had separate cookhouses
• Parents and younger children shared sleeping houses
• Grandparents, older male children, and older female children had separate sleeping houses

Yap (neighboring islands)

• Family compound consisted of living quarters, a cookhouse, and sometimes a firewood shed
• Men had separate sleeping houses
• Females had designated huts during menstration
• Men provided meat and did other heavy work
• Women cleaned, gardened, and cooked

• Similar to traditional provisions
• Each family member has a separate cookhouse
• Most homes are made of concrete/tin and include electrical appliances, dishware, and furniture

• Sa’o (paramount chief) first, then matai (individual family head, usually male), non-matai and young people, and people living on the family communal land
• Among children, eldest child had authority similar to that of the father

• Same as traditional
• For families without a matai, especially young couples with children, the father is always the head of the family

• Father first, then eldest son and down the line

• Father first, then whoever is next down the line depends on factors like education, money, employment, wealth, and other traditional roles

Chamorro

• Eldest child first
• Parents were highly regarded, and children abided by their decisions

Carolinian

• Eldest member of family first
• Parents highly regarded, then sons, then daughters

Chamorro

• Eldest child still holds authority, but everyone deserves due respect

Carolinian

• Same as traditional

• Grandparents, parents, and elder members of the family
• Mother then father followed by children according to seniority
• Eldest child or the one considered most able was the spokesperson of the family

• Same as traditional

• Grandfather first, then grandmother, father, mother, uncle, aunt, and eldest son

• Father first, then mother and eldest son

• Palauans were born members of their maternal clan; to be accepted by their paternal clan, they had to prove themselves by performing an honorable deed that would bring honor/prestige to the paternal relatives (solidifying their place on that side of the family)
• Maternal grandfather first, then maternal grandmother, father, mother, maternal uncles, maternal aunts, and eldest child (regardless of gender)

• Same as traditional order of authority in more traditional and remote villages and municipalities
• In the modern capital of Koror, authority falls first on the father, then mother and children in birth order

• Grandfather first, then grandmother, father, mother, eldest uncle, eldest aunt, eldest son and daughter, and others

• Father first, then mother, eldest son, and eldest daughter

• Grandfather was the alap (head of clan)
• Grandparents were the most powerful in family, then father, uncles, aunts, and eldest son

• Grandfather or father is alap
• Father is the head of the house and has the most power
• If the father is away, the mother takes over with support of the eldest son

Yap (mainland)

• Paternal grandfather or his brother first, then father or his brother, grandmother, mother, male children according to age, and female children according to age

Yap (Ulithi)

• Grandfather first, then father, eldest son, and down the family line according to age

Yap (Satawal and Woleai)

• Eldest woman on family land first, then eldest daughter

• Same as traditional

• Everyone lived on and used family land, provided for and served the family’s affairs, and helped and supported each other, the sa’o (paramount chief), and the matai (head of family)
• Matai gave orders of what needed to be done
• Women did household chores; wife/mother cared for children
• Men worked on farms, hunted, and prepared food
• Children did chores, depending on their age

• Some roles still mirror traditional ways, but family members are living farther apart

• Men did work on the land (planting, harvesting, and building houses), fished, and handled all family needs and activities
• Women did work around the house, such as laundry, cooking, and taking care of the children; women were not allowed to speak up

• Same as traditional, though men and women may also be in paid employment
• Introduction of women’s liberation changed roles, but many men still feel that women should be in traditional roles

Chamorro

• Roles and responsibilities were well understood, practiced, and respected
• Father secured basic needs for daily living
• Mother ensured that basic needs were met in the home and was a model for the whole family
• Children assisted in home/other chores
• Everyone valued respect, support, care, and religion

Carolinian

• Grandparents provided wisdom and guidance
• Father provided housing, provisions, meat, and other supplies
• Mother was responsible for food preparation, role modeling, and child rearing
• Sons helped the father
• Daughters helped the mother

Chamorro

• Parents provide for their children
• Less attention is given to traditional family roles
• Responsibilities now focus on family, community, and being a provider

Carolinian

• Rights/roles/responsibilities remain the same, but the means have changed
• Some roles are shared

• Clear roles and responsibilities existed among family members
• Everyone shared in the family’s responsibilities and contributed to the finances
• All family members were entitled to stay in the home, be cared for and supported by the family, and depend on interdependence, reciprocity, and strong social ties/relationships
• Mother managed the family and controlled the finances
• Mother, grandmother, and aunts taught and enforced social roles and duties of the children
• Father provided for the family’s needs
• Children sought the advice of parents, grandparents, and elders
• Older siblings served as role models/teachers for younger siblings

• Obedience and loyalty to the family is not emphasized
• Parents work and take care of family needs
• Mother controls the finances and manages the home
• Working children and other relatives who live in the home are expected to contribute
• Parents take care of their children regardless of age
• Children and more independent and often make their own decisions; they may not regard the advice of parents and elders

• Everyone was responsible for the well-being of the family
• Men did heavy work (farming and fishing) and were solely responsible for decision making and leadership
• Women did light work and took care of the children
• Education was strictly for men

• Parents are responsible for keeping the family in order
• Men and women are partners in family decision making
• Childcare is becoming a shared responsibility
• Children are expected to be educated and contribute to the well-being of the family
• Women pursue higher education

• Grandparents were responsible for directing appropriate spending of family funds and resources, keeping the peace among family members, and maintaining the welfare of the family; they also had the right to disown family members)
• Husband provided shelter and meat, earned money, controlled finances, and earned money for family obligations, including his wife’s family
• Wife provided taro, took care of children, provided for her husband’s family when needed, and kept money in a safe
• Parents did what grandparents asked and taught traditional, lifelong skills to their children
• Children learned skills, did household chores, and listened to/obeyed their elders

• Husbands and wives earn money, may contribute money to both families and food to the husband’s family, and are responsible for their children’s welfare
• Parents are responsible for the family welfare and for providing shelter, discipline, and education
• Children are assigned household chores; the line between male and female duties is slowly disappearing
• For clan matters, parents consult grandparents, uncles, and aunts

• Father, mother, and older sons were responsible for family decisions
• Father had the rights to the land (farming and tending crops/animals), did heavy work, and was responsible for providing food
• Mother took care of the home and children and performed smaller tasks
• Older boys helped their father do the men’s work; older girls helped their mother do the women’s work

• Both parents may work to provide support and good health (food, shelter, discipline)
• Mothers and daughters are involved in traditional male roles (working and bringing in money)
• Children do household chores assigned by parents

• Males looked after the well-being of the family and did most of the heavy work
• Females looked after children and did housekeeping and cooking
• Grandparents supervised
• Children helped parents clean

• Males look after the well-being of the family
• Females look after children, do housekeeping, and work at government agencies or in the private sector to contribute to the family’s finances
• Husbands and wives work and may contribute to either’s family as part of their wedding day promise
• Boys clean the yard, take care of the trash, and help their father
• Girls help with housekeeping, cooking, and taking care of younger children
• Children have the right to go to school

• Men served as the overall authorities
• Father oversaw well-being of family; planned and conducted activities regarding food, shelter, and clothing; and was responsible for catching fish
• Mother assisted father in coordinating and carrying out activities in the procurement of family needs, especially food-related activities
• Children (depending on age, ability, difficulty of task) assisted parents in doing chores
• Uncle had the overall say in clan-related decision making

• Parents and children are employed; they buy food, shelter, and clothing
• Increased expectations for people to get good jobs, as opposed to living subsistent lives – both are still practiced, one or the other is more prevalent in some areas

• Children obeyed and served heads of family, parents, older siblings, and/or other relatives; performed duties as told; worked or provided for family plantation; and attended church, village, and school activities

• Same as traditional

• Sons helped father; daughters helped mother
• Children also helped other relatives

• Same as traditional, but now children may also get paid when they help their families

Chamorro

• Children respected and helped in family activities and were responsible for younger siblings

Carolinian

• Children were expected to be respectful and help everyone in need

Chamorro

• Children must learn to respect and value supporting the family

Carolinian

• Same as traditional
• Children must respect the values and traditions of the family

• Children helped with family chores and were obedient and respectful to parents and elders
• Older siblings fulfilled parental roles when parents were absent

• Same as traditional
• Working children and adults living at home are expected to help with family needs
• Children are expected to respect older siblings in the absence of their parents
• Older children may still take care of their elderly parents

• Children provided assistance to parents in family chores and showed respect and obedience to parents and older family members

• Same as traditional

• Children earned money for family if they were old enough and capable (monies spent for the benefit of the whole family) and upheld and defended the reputation of the family

• Children should earn money for the family and for themselves (they increasingly have a say in spending; funds are sometimes spent for the benefit of the individual), take care of themselves, and assist in doing chores (more often becoming a duty of nannies and household domestic helpers from the Philippines)
• More and more frequently, children are growing up without knowing their traditional home duties

• Children obeyed parents (learned everything taught to them, worked hard, prepared food, fished, did laundry) abd learned to relate to other families and acceptably represent their own family
• Children were viewed as “social security systems” for the family – when parents got old, children were supposed to take care of and provide for them

• Regardless of age, children should provide support (food, clothing, transportation, money) for parents

• Children were respectful and obedient and did assigned light household chores

• Children should be respectful, obedient, helpful around the house, and educated to get a job to ukot boka (look after/take care of elderly parents)

• Children became contributing family and community members, did light chores around the house and ran errands for parents or grandparents, did not disgrace the family name by doing things that caused embarrassment to family members, and learned the culture, language, family history, and whatever else their parents passed on to them

• Same as traditional

• Each family participated in and contributed to whatever the social unit needed (money, fine mats, etc.)

• Same as traditional (though many are concerned that it is becoming expensive)

• Families did what was required for the needs of the entire community

• Same as traditional, plus participation in political and religious functions

Chamorro

• The family cooperated, was responsible for other family needs and requests, practiced reciprocity, and emphasized being caring, disciplined, and helpful

Carolinian

• Each family ensured the well-being of the clan and extended family; contributed to whatever was needed

Chamorro

• Same as traditional

Carolinian

• Same as traditional (money dictates activities)

• Families provided care to all members, and participated and contributed to all family activities and functions
• Children were sometimes reared by grandparents, aunts, or uncles
  Reciprocal cooperation and support existed among family relations and neighbors

• Same as traditional

• The family contributed and donated to various functions and events, participated in church and community activities, and emphasized being respectful, cooperative, and financially and morally supportive

• Same as traditional

• The family provided and contributed food, money, and free labor to community or clan

• Same as traditional

• The family became a recognized member of its kousapw (social unit) through its traditional title system, contributed to its obligations in important events (new harvest, annual feast for royal chiefs), and got involved in the traditional tribute system

• Same as traditional

• The family was responsible for its economic and social needs, maintained relationships, fulfilled obligations to clans, was caring and disciplined, and followed the traditions of kumit (group work): cared for family, worked together, and shared

• Social units in outer islands stress group work
• Everyone contributes to the well-being of the larger social unit through donations (money, food) and gifts for social activities and events, especially weddings, deaths of relatives, and a child’s first birthday

• The family donated to a cause that assisted or improved the community, took part in communal activities (fishing, cleaning around island, gardening, house repairs and/or construction), and participated in community activities, extended family, and social gatherings

• Same as traditional

• Families worked and supported each other and their matai (head of family)
• Stability of the family depended on member contribution and involvement

• Same as traditional

• “What is yours is mine and what is mine is yours”
• No man was an island entirely to himself

• Same as traditional on some of the smaller islands
• In urban communities, “What is mine is mine and what is yours is yours”
• No man is an island entirely to himself

Chamorro

• Individualism was highly valued
• Individuals were easier to address and responded more quickly to needs; lower expectations for individuals
• Everyone contributed

Carolinian

• Individualism was not taught or practiced
• Family was a unit

Chamorro

• Same as traditional

Carolinian

• Individualism is evident (results of changes, demographics, and family)

• Family members supported each other, especially in times of need
• Older family members were sought for advice
• Individual identity was associated with family identity (individuals were recognized by who their families were)

• Same as traditional
• Individualism is emerging (one does not necessarily need the family to live and succeed)

• Everyone contributed to the well-being of the family and needed the support of the whole family

• Same as traditional

• Everyone was important and each member, though recognized as a unique individual, was part of the collective whole
• Individuals derived recognition and reputations through the reputations of their relatives
• The way to playfully insult someone was to relate him/her to a member of his/her paternal clan known for notorious and mischievous deeds

• Same as traditional

• Whole family was based on a wide network of supporters (communal society) – such strong support meant lots of power
• Individual family member’s network of support was more narrow and limited
• Everyone was taught to care for the elderly and treat them with honor and respect

• Same as traditional

• Everyone learned, by practice or from elders, to help the whole family
• Family as a whole was more important
• Individual members were valued only as part of the whole family

• Everyone is responsible for the well-being of the whole family
• Increased value is placed on the individual (seen as separate), but the family as a whole is still more important

• Everyone was important and had close ties with their parents and other relatives
• High value was placed on the best interest of the family as a whole

• Same as traditional

• Very high degree of solidarity, especially for carrying on family names and titles

• Almost as high as traditional solidarity

• All shared a sense of belonging to the family

• Sharing is limited due to other circumstances

Chamorro

• Very high degree of family cohesion
• Supporting one another was very important

Carolinian

• Very close family ties

Chamorro

• Children are more independent but still rely on parents for some needs

Carolinian

• Families are even more important, in order to protect identity

• Family ties were very strong, included extended family relationships
• Parents and grandparents were highly respected; elders were well respected
• Regular social gatherings for all family matters; sharing and assistance provided for all family events

• Greater independence among family members; less interdependence and reciprocity among family members
• Emphasis on external social relationships (friends, co-workers)
• Some siblings disassociate themselves from family activities for various reasons
• Respect for elders is eroding in all aspects

• Strong family ties
• Families were thought of as organized units
• When crises arose, families helped each other

• Weakened family ties
• Families are divided due to politics and land disagreements
• Family crises are often resolved by friends and church groups

• Very high degree of family cohesiveness
• Family was central to Palauan society; it was the unit that made up the clan, which was a sub-unit of the village as a whole
• Respect within the family was held in high regard
• Like other cultures, “blood is thicker than water,” and family members were supposed to defend each other

• Solidarity is still very strong in remote villages (where traditional ways are still practiced)
• Family unit is weaker as one moves toward the capital of Koror, where connections between parent and child are weakening and between nanny and child are strengthening

• In extended family settings, the degree of solidarity and unity was greater and stronger, because everyone within the family network felt support on a larger scale (supporting family unity and valuable cultural aspects of unity)

• Western-introduced nuclear family is smaller and weaker; unity is not cohesive and is somewhat fragile, especially in terms of discipline

• Greatest degree of family cohesion; “what is mine is yours”
• All members shared their needs
  The entire family always worked together

• Great degree of family cohesion
• Family ties have been lessened because of foreign goods

• Solidarity and cohesion was a must, especially when the welfare of the entire family was concerned (more so when family existed on subsistence living)
• Introduction of Christianity changed focus

• Education greatly impacts types of families and their philosophies

• Marriage, religion, funerals, establishment and progress of government, matai (head of family) title-holder, and talimalo (hosting of guests)

• Same as traditional
• Election of governor, progress of government influence, money, and education

• Natural disasters
• Wars among clans and tribes

• Introduction of religion and cash economy

Chamorro

• Ongoing dependency of extended family; responsibility was strongly enforced
• Agriculture, fishing, Christianity, and intermarriages

Carolinian

• Christianity
• Late marriages

• Introduction of cash economy; children expect compensation
• Western influence strengthened after the islands became a Commonwealth and signed a Compact with U.S.
• Freedom structure is changing
• Discipline is “my business”; child abuse laws are enforced

• Marriage (social contract between couples’ families), birth, and death (celebrated in the family homes with family members gathering and providing support)
• Agrarian lifestyle – families relied on themselves and their families for their livelihood; subsistence economy, families grew or raised their food
• Results of World War II drastically altered the cultural, social, and economic lifestyles of the people

• Little or no dependence on family farming to supplement family needs; people work for wages and purchase all their needs
• Influence of Western culture: loss of Chamorro language use, increase of fast food establishments, change of religious practices, increase in money for living expenses, and loss of land
• Mortuaries replaced family homes for funeral activities
• Catering businesses are replacing family gatherings and collective activities such as preparing food
• Military enlistment and intermarriage

• Introduction of Christianity
• Abolishment of caste system
• Declining usage of Kosraean high language

• Colonialism

• Cash economy
• Political events
• Religious movements
• Foreign influences

• Same as traditional
• War

• Two seasons (abundance and scarcity) per year associated with harvesting and feasting; these seasons mandated events that affected the way Pohnpeians lived – Rahk (breadfruit season, abundance) and Isol (yam season, scarcity)
• Each season required a number of tributary feasts associated with the harvest

• Foreign influences affected traditional feasts
• Weddings, birthdays, Christmas, and political campaigns are all influenced by the current cash economy

• Cash economy
• Foreign influences (traders, missionaries, whalers, Germans, and other Europeans)

• Cash economy
• Politics and religion
• Gradual changes in cultural values and customs

• Different administrations
• Other outside influences such as wars and natural disasters

• Same as traditional
• Cash economy caused the notion of individualism versus family/community
• Change in ideals and attitudes

• Village or family activities
• Parental or matai (head of family) arrangement – man and his parents or matai sought approval from bride-to-be’s parents

• Adults meet and arrange their own marriages

• Combination of parental arrangement, love between two people, and religious influence

• Similar to traditional ways, except some couples meet without prior parental arrangement

Chamorro

• Man arranged initial marriage intention
• Man and his parents requested approval of bride-to-be’s parents
• Both sets of parents met to arrange wedding day celebration and other needs

Carolinian

• Grandparents and parents arranged dating and marriage

Chamorro

• Initial marriage intention obsolete

Carolinian

• Most couples meet in social settings such as church
• Dating

• Couples met in church and social activities