Section C: Essay — Commercialisation in Vanuatu
Q1: What does the phrase ‘Commercialization of Traditional Custom’ mean? (2 marks)
Commercialization of traditional custom means turning cultural practices, ceremonies, or items into things that are bought, sold, or shown for money. Instead of only being part of community life, they become products or performances for tourists or markets.
Q2: Give an example of traditional custom that has been commercialized in Vanuatu. (2 marks)
One common example is traditional kastom dances and ceremonies being performed for tourists. These dances, which used to be for village or ritual purposes, are now sometimes organized as shows where visitors pay to watch or take photos.
Q3: Identify and describe why you think the traditional custom has been commercialized. (3 marks)
- Tourism demand: Many visitors want to see authentic culture. Villages and tour operators put on dances and displays so tourists can experience them, and this creates money from ticket sales or tours.
- Need for income: People in communities may have few job options. Performing kastom or selling cultural items gives families money for food, school fees, and other needs, so they choose to commercialize customs.
- Promotion and development: The government, hotels, and travel companies promote cultural shows to attract visitors. Sometimes this encourages communities to change or package traditions to fit tourist expectations.
Q4: Suggest and explain 3 ways we conserve our traditional customs without being commercialized. (3 marks)
- Teach the next generation: Include kastom, language, songs, and stories in schools and family teaching. When young people learn from elders, customs stay alive for the right reasons — identity and respect, not money.
- Keep some ceremonies private: Decide which rituals are sacred or for community members only. By protecting private ceremonies, we keep their meaning and stop them from becoming shows for tourists.
- Community control and fair support: If cultural activities are shared outside the village, let the community set the rules. Support artisans and performers with fair pay and training while keeping the presentation respectful and accurate, not packaged only for sales.
Short conclusion: Commercialization can help communities earn money, but it can also change or weaken customs. By teaching youth, protecting private ceremonies, and keeping community control with fair support, Vanuatu can conserve its traditions without losing their meaning.
Marks guide: Q1 = 2 marks, Q2 = 2 marks, Q3 = 3 marks, Q4 = 3 marks (total 10 marks).