Originally published in 1979 as part of the Urbanization in Developing
Countries series, this book is a detailed account of the process of
urbanization, and provides a unique perspective on the creation by Papua
New Guineans of their own distinctively Melanesian urban centres. The
authors synthesized a wide range of material drawn from their own
research and that of many scholars. They concentrate their analysis on
the subtle modification of rural idioms in the urban social field, the
formation and role of urban ethnic units, reactions to emerging class
differences within the indigenous population, and the development of
patterns of relationships and lifestyles in response to urban employment
and residence in 'squatters' settlements, housing estates and barracks.
They describe the historical, spatial and demographic development of the
towns, and also discuss problematical aspects of indigenous
participation in voluntary organizations, business, and urban
government. Finally the authors compare Papua New Guinea to other parts
of the world.