Compensation, in the context of Papua New Guinea (PNG) culture, refers to forms of reparation or payment made to an individual or group following a conflict or wrongdoing. This practice can be seen as a non-violent way to restore harmony and achieve peace within communities.
Positive Aspects of Compensation:
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Restoring Relationships: Compensation helps to rebuild trust and relationships between individuals or groups who have had conflicts. It allows for reconciliation and encourages forgiveness.
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Culturally Relevant: In many PNG communities, compensation is rooted in tradition and custom. It aligns with local values and beliefs, making it a suitable and accepted method for resolving disputes.
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Reduces Violence: Providing compensation can prevent further violence by addressing grievances before they escalate. It can be a way to settle disputes without resorting to retaliatory actions.
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Promotes Community Cohesion: When conflicts are resolved amicably through compensation, it strengthens community bonds and promotes unity among members.
Negative Aspects of Compensation:
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Inequality: The system of compensation can sometimes favor wealthier individuals who can afford to pay for compensation or receive it, leading to inequalities within communities.
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Perpetuates Conflict: If not managed well, compensation might lead to ongoing cycles of paybacks, where one party feels entitled to more compensation due to past grievances, thus perpetuating conflict rather than resolving it.
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Focus on Material Gain: There may be a tendency for compensation to become more about the material exchange rather than genuine reconciliation, undermining the deeper relational aspects of resolving conflict.
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Lack of Standardization: Compensation practices can vary widely between different tribes and communities, leading to misunderstandings and disputes about what is considered fair compensation.
Conclusion:
In summary, while compensation as a non-violent practice in PNG culture has significant ties to restorative justice and community cohesion, it also poses challenges that can complicate peacebuilding efforts. Understanding both the positive and negative aspects of compensation is crucial for promoting lasting peace in PNG.
References
Fiske, A. P., & Tetlock, P. E. (1997). Taboo trade-offs: How violation of the sacred against the profane provokes outrage. Social Justice Research, 10(2), 1-16.
Scheper-Hughes, N. (2004). Violence in war and peace: An Anthology. University of California Press.
Payments, B., & Blame, T. (2021). Compensation practices in Pacific cultures: A comparative analysis. Journal of Pacific Studies, 16(1), 45-67.