People and Cultures of Hawaii: The Evolution of Culture and Ethnicity

This is a significant update to the highly influential text People and Cultures of Hawaii: A Psychocultural Profile. Since its publication in 1980, the immigrant groups it discusses in depth have matured and new ones have been added to the mix. The present work tracks the course of these changes over the past twenty years, constructing a historical understanding of each group as it evolved from race to ethnicity to culture.

Individual chapters begin with an overview of one of fifteen groups. Following the development of its unique ethnocultural identity, distinctive character traits such as temperament and emotional expression are explored—as well as ethnic stereotypes. Also discussed are modifications to the group’s ethnocultural identity over time and generational change—which traits may have changed over generations and which are more hardwired or enduring. An important feature of each chapter is the focus on the group’s family social structure, generational and gender roles, power distribution, and central values and life goals. Readers will also find a description of the group’s own internal social class structure, social and political strategies, and occupational and educational patterns. Finally, contributors consider how a particular ethnic group has blended into Hawai‘i’s culturally sensitive society.

People and Cultures of Hawai‘i: The Evolution of Culture and Ethnicity will, like its predecessor, fill an important niche in understanding the history of different ethnic groups in Hawai‘i.

• John F. McDermott, Editor

  John F. McDermott is professor emeritus of psychiatry University of Hawai‘i and a fellow of Clare Hall, Cambridge University, UK.

• Naleen Naupaka Andrade, Editor

  Naleen Naupaka Andrade is professor and chair of the University of Hawai‘i Department of Psychiatry.

• Thomas W. Maretzki, Author

• A rich, highly useful description of the history and influences of all the cultural groups of Hawaii. . . . Excellent for a cultural historical study of Hawaii as well courses with a sociological or an anthropological viewpoint. . . . Highly recommended.
  —Choice