Engendering persons, transforming things: Christianities, Commodities and Individualism in Oceania

This program addresses a profound and long-debated question about the historical interaction between Oceanic and Western constructs of the person and contemporary controversies about the role of Christianity in the emergence of modern individualism. It is distinctive in linking the gender of persons with gendered things. It critically evaluates the role of Christianity in relation to processes of individuation emergent from the commoditization of land, labour and consumption, biomedical systems of health and introduced legal regimes. It will significantly enhance Australia’s research capacity as well as its cultural understanding and delivery of development assistance in the region, with particular regard to gender justice, law and health.