| dc.description.abstract | This thesis deals with everyday manifestations of hierarchy, equality and togetherness on the Epoon [Ebon] Atoll on the Marshall Islands. More particularly, it investigates some of the ways in which people on Epoon evoke and invoke hierarchy and egalitarianism, depending on context. People on Epoon have a striking tendency to stress equality and togetherness among themselves, in public speeches as well as in their cooking hut conversations. This emphasis on egalitarian values is visible in most social dynamics on the atoll. Interestingly, these egalitarian ideals often stand in direct opposition to a hierarchical form of social structure. Anthropologists have typically described the Marshallese social structure as a class-based hierarchy, ranging from commoners to high chiefs, with hierarchical differences within each class. Having some forms of hierarchical organization, however, does not necessarily mean inequality regarding social life on Epoon. On the contrary, I argue that, even with the presence of hierarchy, equality stands out as an encompassing cultural value. Through four ethnographic chapters, I seek to illustrate some of the ways in which this plays out in daily life. By taking an in-depth look at family life and inheritance; leadership and changing authorities; Christian politics and denominational conflicts; and the relationship between cooperation and togetherness, I illustrate that ideas of hierarchy and egalitarianism can, and often do, coexist. As my argument goes, hierarchy does not necessitate inequality any more than egalitarianism necessitate equality. By conceptualizing equality as of equal value, I aim to show that ideas of both hierarchy and egalitarianism works to constitute equality as an encompassing value on the Epoon Atoll. | eng |