In Fiji, each village has its own separate set of ideals and models by which the people place themselves conceptually in the village, the country and the world. While different factors influence these models in each village, there are some common ideals to be found throughout village life. These ideals determine the actions of the villagers and are constantly renewed and slightly rearranged with each generation. Some of the stronger ideals include with respect, patriarchy, and the value of exchange and social ties. The following information is based on informants from Rewasa village in Ra province, located on the north eastern coast of Viti Levu.
Respect is a cognitive model that directs almost every action of a villager's life.
None of these subheadings can be discussed, or can be relevant to village life, without recognizing the underlying influence of respect. This paper will have similar themes, especially of exchange, patriarchy and cementing social ties, all of which are dependent upon the strength of the ideal of respect in a Fijian village. Respect, which governs most actions in a Fijian village, is evident in everyday life. The way in which a person walks, the words spoken and who they are spoken to is all dependent upon respect. There are certain relationships, joking and avoidance for example, which are based on respecting specific family members.