Abstract
Avoidance has been one of important subjects in the study of kinship. Previous studies of avoidance have focussed on difference of categories such as sex (the incest taboo, Oedipus complex), generation, age or membership of some kin group. The present study, however, analyses Ponapean avoidance in a different context and scheme. In this paper, avoidance is defined as a kind of social distance between two individuals who occupy the particular status and roles.
Ponapean avoidance, called “pel” relationship is closely related with respect, authority, value standards, and status and roles of person concerned. Interconnections between avoidance and these factors are analysed in relation to the structural models of ponapean society, and compared with avoidance in Truk. Through these analysis, it is made clear that avoidance has an integrative function in Ponapean society.
