Mobility, Tradition and Adaptation, Samoa’s Comparative Advantage in the Global Market Place

Abstract

IN AN ECONOMIC environment dominated by neo‐ liberal policies Samoa strives to carve out a niche. In order to do so it needs to exploit areas of comparative advantage. This paper argues that Samoa already utilizes such a competitive advantage: by selling their labor across a vast diaspora Samoans already engage successfully in the world economy. Moreover, it will be argued that traditional practices, and an ease of mobility based on historical and cultural connections, provide the framework for this exploitation. By participating in Samoan life across the diaspora Samoans reinforce their relationships and fulfil their obligations. Concurrently they reproduce the social relations that strengthen culture. By doing both they demonstrate their competitive advantage in a neo‐liberal world and take a step closer to a sustainable future.