Comments

Hi Emmanuel, For this piece of writing and perhaps my other two blogs on this site, I do not delve into cultural underpinnings and their influence on western/formal institutions. However, my PhD thesis (yet to be available on ANU open access) has two chapters that discuss how Melanesian cultures have influenced how democracy (voting, campaigning) is practiced on the ground as well as how it contends with PNG women’s effective political participation. My view on cultural norms in relation to it being a stumbling block for women, I agree with Zetlin’s critique in this article https://www-tandfonline-com.virtual.anu.edu.au/doi/full/10.1080/10361146.2014.895796 Basically, culture is in transition. It may not change to accommodate the progress we may want to see but it is not stagnant, nor should it be the primary reason to explain our contemporary challenges.

If cultural norms are not set in stone, how long does it take to undo a practice or thinking that is resisting Western Influence and Democracy in PNG? Do you have a fix that can immediately change a practice that is deeply embedded in PNG and Melanesia over time? Cultural Norms do change, but like many others, you assume that it should automatically change to suite (Western) democracy. That line of thinking is in itself defeating, because cultural norms take a long time to change/evolve, whether to agree or disagree with ideologies. I say ideologies because not only politics is resisted, but others as well. You also fail to see that I mentioned Collective Culture, that in itself is the biggest resistance of many Western Influence in our democracy and politics. Do you have a formula to speed the process of changing cultural norms? Modern theories as I have mentioned have concluded, democracy is hardest in societies with a collective culture like ours. For now, in my time, I would like to say that our cultural norms are set in stone. You find an intervention that can get more women into parliament. I am not against the idea of getting women into parliament, I am pointing out a fact that has been silent in the author's writing. And to persons like you that assume you can wave the magic wand and automatically change our society.

Hi Manu, You make an interesting point when you say: <em>"Papua New Guinea’s cultural norms will always play an important role in its politics, democracy, governance and institutions. You should also look at evolutionary psychology, especially competition amongst females, although recent studies have questioned this, primal instincts remain an important aspect of survival."</em> The first point here seems true to me, but the crucially important fact is that cultural norms change: everywhere and all the time. And in many countries, norms with regards to women in politics have changed a lot in a short space of time. A crucial question in PNG is what might bring a similar change about? More women coming in via "dynasties", TSMs? political activism from women at the grassroots? All of the above? Main point: to my mind it seems mistaken to talk of cultural norms as if they're set in stone.

I recently saw first hand low English levels in Samoan schools on the AVI Program working in Inclusive Education. Have just shipped 4,000 levelled reading books and Teaching Guides from my self-published literacy program to assist Samoa. In the process of emailing support materials. Would like to do more work in the Pacific in this area.

Well explained Anna

Thank you Theresa for your reply. It will be interesting. Of every female candidate in PNG, Dulciana Somare Brash is highly qualified, greater experience in the political space given her up bringing as well as exposure. The end of the tunnel is to win and be on the floor of parliamemt. Like you say let's see what happens. I am for a female parliamentarian and Dulciana it is.

__"Culture, Politics and Democracy."__ I have been following your write-ups on women in politics/parliament and must honestly say you have been very silent on how cultural norms have bearings on our politics, democracy, governance and institutions. Cultural norms have negative and positive effects on politics. (Gorodnichenko and Roland, 2015) PNG is no exception, having a collective cultural setting. This has heavily constrained/impaired our efforts to bring about change into our politics, democracy, governance and institutions, more so its democratisation process. Papua New Guineans have a very diverse view of their politics, democracy, governance and institutions provoked by their diverse cultural settings. Papua New Guinea’s cultural norms will always play an important role in its politics, democracy, governance and institutions. You should also look at evolutionary psychology, especially competition amongst females, although recent studies have questioned this, primal instincts remain an important aspect of survival.

Hi Ine'e, Thank you for reading and your comment. I understand what you mean with NCD having educated voters and whether that can help women candidates in general (regardless of legacy) - during the Pom NW by election, I think someone wrote a blog or maybe it was a commentary in the news (I'll try find it) about Anna Bais' performance. Anyway, this time around we'll have four women (endorsed last week by People's party) contesting for the 4 seats in NCD. Perhaps it can be an opportunity to test the idea (perhaps through survey) of educated voters voting for women/policy/not cultural gravitation. For Dulciana, if she contested for NCD Gov seat, in terms of the technicality of campaigning, it would be more or less starting from scratch even if she has in-laws and or with GCSMS legacy. At least in Sepik, she already came fourth for the provincial in 2017 so there is an existing support base for her. I note your point on 'Sepik's mental mode is a male leads' but if highlanders can vote for Julie Soso for EHP provincial seat, then anything is possible or at least one can hope. Let's see what happens. Cheers, Theresa

I would love Dulciana Somare Brash to be nominated to stand for NCD Governor seat. Why? 1 Sepik has a strong assimilation to accommodate the male lineage, Sepiks mental mode is that a male leads, females take the back stage. If she wins its is Divine intervention. Dynasty lineage is not guaranteed in the Sepik. Cultural norms and values leaning towards the 'haus man/haus tambaran' is ingrained. And overtime will mellow, not yet. 2. NCD governor seat is strategic for Dulciana to get in Parliament. Most of her voters are educated and are not influenced by 'mob rule' or cultural gravitation. Most females will vote for her. She has to a larger degree her voters by marriage. PNG'S biggest decision making factors when it comes to voting is relational. She by marriage may make a difference on the female votes and male. 3. The late GCSMS legacy is national. It is only fitting to stand for the NCD Governor seat to promote the dynasty.

Thank you Bryan for the correction.

i fully agree 🙂

Minor correction paragraph 4. "PANGU endorsed Dulciana Somare, who contested for the East Sepik provincial seat and finished in fourth place. She amassed a total of 121,178 votes, that is, 5.7% of the total votes cast." Dulicana she did not amass 122,178 votes, she polled a total of 20,029 - 10,673 primary votes and 9,356 preference votes.