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Divine Authority and Social Hierarchies: A Comparative Study of Economic Inequality in Samoa and Tonga
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Abstract
This comparative analysis delves into the role of religious and economic factors in shaping social stratification in Samoa and Tonga, two prominent societies within the Polynesian triangle. While both islands share cultural traditions that intertwine religious beliefs with the control of resources, which grant chiefs or kings substantial authority, their political structures have evolved along distinct trajectories. Tonga developed a centralized monarchy, heavily influenced by the divine right of kingship, consolidating power in the hands of the monarchy and reinforcing hierarchical structures. In contrast, Samoa established a decentralized matai system, prioritizing communal governance and shared leadership through extended family networks. The study further explores how geographical and economic conditions shaped these divergent systems, contributing to varying degrees of institutionalized inequality and societal organization. By examining the interplay of religion, governance, and resource control, this paper aims to provide a detailed understanding of how these factors historically influenced social hierarchies and power dynamics across Polynesia.
Keywords
Economics, Polynesia, Social Hierarchies
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Cite this article
Cao,L. (2025). Divine Authority and Social Hierarchies: A Comparative Study of Economic Inequality in Samoa and Tonga. Lecture Notes in Education Psychology and Public Media,81,57-62.
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Volume title: Proceedings of the 3rd International Conference on Social Psychology and Humanity Studies
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