Leadership and social cleavages : political processes among the Indians in Labasa, Fiji Islands

Abstract

This study focuses attention on the Indian community and seeks to shed some light on the political aspects of its adaptation to the social situation in Labasa. Adaptation is a complex, multi-dimensional phenomenon involving diverse processes of growth and change. For the analysis of the implications and effects of the political elements involved in these processes, my approach has to some extent paralleled that of G-luckman (1958) and Epstein (1958). At the same time I have incorporated within it, though not without qualifications, methodological advancements presented in two companion volumes - 'Political Anthropology' (Swartz et. al. 1966) and 'Local Level Politics' (Swartz 1968).