Dispute Management in Rotuma

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Abstract
This essay concerns the genesis and management of disputes on the island of Rotuma in the Republic of Fiji. Although disputes are endemic to the culture, they rarely lead to physical violence. The analysis presented here aims to illuminate the mechanisms that keep disputes from escalating to violent confrontations. The mechanisms discussed include a socialization pattern based on a high valuation of children, shaming rather than physical punishment, and respect for others' autonomy; a strong belief in immanent justice; the use of avoidance as a means of reducing vulnerability and allowing passions to cool; institutionalized mediation; and a custom of formal apology that puts great pressure on the person or persons approached to accept. Several disputes are discussed in detail to illustrate how these mechanisms operate in context.

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