Trobrian Island Society & American Society: A Comparison & Contrast of Cultural Universals and Cultural Particulars.
Trobrian Islanders and Americans are similar and different in many ways. From taking notes and watching videos, I am prepared to share with you the some of the ways they are alike and different concerning topics like jobs, food, clothing, family, and other important areas in society.
Located off the eastern tip of Papua New Guinea, just above Australia, the Tobin Islanders are different from Americans in many ways. In Trobrian society, clothing is not an issue as is in America. They simply wear homemade, tiny skirts and no shirts. In America, having on a shirt, pants, and shoes is a law just to enter public places. Yams are a big source of power and wealth to the Tobin men. In America, yams are used strictly for food and hold no power but to feed you if you are hungry. Also, an interesting fact is that the Tobin Islanders create their own wealth by turning banana leaves into money called " bundles." In contrast, making your own money in the U.S. is an illegal practice, and if caught you get in serious trouble. Most people earn their money by working a job such as McDonalds or in an office building. Another distinctive factor is that American women almost always assume the position of raising the children. But this is not so on the Trobrian Islands. Men raise the children until they are adults, and in return they take care of the old men when they are no longer able to take care of themselves.
There are many similarities in American and Trobrain civilization. Both societies and culture stress the importance of morals and values such as honesty, giving and family. Religion is a big part of both cultures as well. Christianity is the primary religion of both societies, even though it was introduced to both countries and did not initiate there. No matter where you go around the world, one thing is universal and that is children.