How Do Worldviews Have Shaped Pacific Politics

Not only have pacific politics been shaped by our own worldviews, with the influence of those that maintain a very powerful rank in the Pacific communities, world views also shape politics. The concept of a world view is not of a simple context to understand as it has many definitions that exist behind it. DeWitt (2011) defined a world view as ‘not merely a collection of separate, independent, unrelated beliefs, but is instead an intertwined, interrelated, interconnected system of beliefs.’ Carol Hill (2007) also defines a world view as ‘A basic way of interpreting things and events that pervades a culture so thoroughly that it becomes a culture 's concept of reality — what is good, what is important, what is sacred, what is real. Worldview …show more content…
The aim of this paper is to look in further detail at the people of the pacific and how their worldviews shape politics. Looking at how politics and governmental laws have shaped the way in which Pacific people view the world due to the social status, tradition and governmental laws are constantly being altered over time. In addition, the first part of this essay will explore the tradition of Samoa and Tonga, looking further into the traditional history of pacific politics comparing it with post colonialism looking at how the settlers shaped pacific views into the institutions that they are currently using. Secondly, it will look at a more modern view of politics looking further into whether western culture has or has not influenced Pacific world views and politics. Thirdly, it will not only refer back to the traditional aspects of Samoa and Tonga where those that hold a high status who are considered to be powerful figures in the Pacific but also it will examine the politicians who are not exactly of Polynesian descent but they may play a role in influencing the Samoan and Tongan peoples and their world