EFFECTS OF POPULATION GROWTH ON SOCIAL STRUCTURE

As the population increased, people settled permanently which resulted in the formation of social organization known as the “mataqali” or the family unit.

• The “mataqali” was headed by a “Turaga” or chief
•  Land use was decided by the “ mataqali” and in some parts of Fiji by a smaller group within the village known as “tokatoka”.
• Political authority was organized within, whereby everyone was given a position: chiefs, the chief’s assistance, speakers and orators, organizers of ceremonies, priests and warriors.

• These chiefs had power of all life and death over their people and they commanded great respect.
• As the population grew and competition for power and status increased, the “yavusa” joined to form a “vanua” (a small alliance).
• Later, several vanua would join to form a larger political group the “matanitu”.