Bati as Bodily Labour: Rethinking Masculinity and Violence in Fiji

Abstract

Violence has been considered a decisive factor throughout much of Fijian history, from pre-modern inter-tribal warfare via participation in the British Military in both world wars to the more recent events of active military intervention in civil matters. Underpinning this history is a more fundamental notion of the Fijian male warriors (bati) as the protectors of everything Fijian. This is epitomised through bati ideology, which continues to hold purchase in discourses about Fijian identity and social organisation. Although the nature of violent practices has changed considerably throughout modern history, notions of martial strength, power and manhood remain closely linked in Fijian social ideologies. Embedded in this social context, contemporary constructions of masculinity are often centred on stylised performances of physical strength. Equating these dynamics with a claim that Fijian masculinities are intrinsically violent is, however, problematic. By looking at boxing and rugby union as constitutive social practices in the constructions of contemporary Fijian masculinities, we draw upon the concept of bodily labour to discuss how Fijian men negotiate bati ideology in a modern context. Our key argument is that while bati ideology remains pervasive as a part of the hegemonic notion of masculinity in Fiji, it is not used to valorise or glorify uncontrolled violence.