The Relational Self: Decolonising Personhood in the Pacific

The Relational Self breaks new ground in Pacific Islands scholarly discourse as the first multi-disciplinary effort to respond to the challenges confronting island societies today by re-examining the rich resources embedded in all island cultures core relational/ interconnected understanding of what it means to be human. From the perspectives of their diverse disciplines and cultures, the authors reframe the quest for decolonisation by deconstructing the non-relational understandings of self that are the legacy of colonisation and reconstructing a relational renaissance of Pacific valuesthat can empower Pacific Islanders to be agents of decolonisation.

Contributors:

Tui Atua Tupua Tamasese Taisi Efi, Uili Feleterika Nokise, Unaisi Nabobo-Baba, Upolu Luma Vaai, Manulani Aluli Meyer, Konai Helu Thaman, Kabini Sanga, Cresantia Koya-Vakauta, Jemaima Tiatia-Seath, Michael Lujan Bevacqua, Kisha Borja-Quichocho-Calvo, Sereima Naisilisili, Melenaite Taumoefolau, Gordon Leua Nanau, Melani Anae, Vitolia Moa, Faafetai Aiava, Linda Waimarie Nikora, Ngahuia Te Awekotuku, Virginia Tamanui, and Sia Figiel.