The Effect of Religion on the Social Structure in Melanesia

Abstract

<p>Chapter One presents a brief description of the historical background. Chapter Two analyses the connection between religion and the social system in Melanesia. Chapters Three, Four, Five, and Six discuss and summarize the ethnography of the four sample tribes. Chapter Seven examines the relationship between ecology, economy and religion in Melanesia. Chapter Eight looks at the influence of western contact through missionaries, traders and scientists. Chapter Nine elaborates on the functional similarities between Melanesian Religion and Christianity. Chapter Ten describes the impact of Judeo-Christian Religions Beliefs on Melanesian Societies. Chapter Eleven discusses both short and long term effects of western influence. Chapter Twelve sums up and evaluates the attitudinal and social changes, both overt and covert, that are manifest in the changing social pattern of Melanesia.</p>