"Women's role in land matters was generally second to that of their menfolk - even in traditionally matrilineal societies. Christianity, commerce and centralized governmment led to some changes and further adaptation is in progress. This book of studies by women from two Melanesia societies (Fiji and Vanuatu) and three Polynesian (Tonga, Samoa and the Cook Islands) is the first to focus on this topic of growing importance to Pacific women."--Back cover.