Magafaoa membership is patrilineal, and the head of the family is usually a man. Traditional roles are well defined. Most magafaoa land is used for subsistence farming . Bush gardens of taro and other vegetables are owned and worked by the entire family. Economic enterprises that occur outside the magafaoa area, ranging from running shops to bee-keeping and pig raising, can be individually owned.
Most adults have some source of income outside the family.
The magafaoa cooperates in caring for the elderly or unemployed. Not only do magafaoa members share work and food, they also contribute to preparing for special events such as haircutting and ear-piercing ceremonies. For certain occasions, friends, business associates, and others are also expected to help. Within the magafaoa, nuclear units are generally able to set up their own household, usually in homes on land belonging to the magafaoa. Plenty of housing is available, but a few families will have a home custom-built on leased land.