Setsuo Otsuka

Culture and Achievement: Cultural Influences on Academic Performance in Fiji Setsuo Otsuka

At an upper level of education in Fiji, especially Forms 5, 6, and 7 of secondary schools, Indo-Fijian students often perform better than their ethnic Fijian counterparts. This book argues that there are cultural differences between values, beliefs and practices in affecting achievement among Indo-Fijians and ethnic Fijians. Indo-Fijian culture respects and values education highly. They believe that education changes people for the better, and the only way to success is through education. Thus, Indo-Fijian parents believe that helping children to strive for their academic excellence is one of the most important tasks for them. By contrast, ethnic Fijian culture encourages children to become good members of their community. For this purpose, one''s total commitment to communal activities and requirements is of vital importance. Ethnic Fijian parents spend a large amount of time, money and labour on making contribution to ceremonies and church, at the possible expense of providing for the formal eudcation of their children. Consequently, the educational achievement differences between these two ethnic groups are revealed substantially during the secondary schools.