The historical roots of a Singaut economy -- Visible while away : concepts of vision in exchange practices -- The power of words : curses and blessings of relatives -- It's never tomorrow : debt, selfishness and the contest of obligation -- The historical roots of community as level of organization and as a concept -- To benefit the community : value and the member of community -- All things considered : organized action as appearances of social totalities
Summary
"By adopting ideas like 'development, ' members of a Papua New Guinean community find themselves continuously negotiating what can be expected of a relative or a community member. Nearly half the people born on the remote Mbuke Islands become teachers, businessmen, or bureaucrats in urban centers, while those who stay at home ask migrant relatives 'What about me?' This detailed ethnography sheds light on remittance motivations and documents how terms like 'community' can be useful in places otherwise permeated by kinship. As the state withdraws, Mbuke people explore what social ends might be reached through involvement with the cash economy"--Provided by publisher
