The Impact of Relative Poverty on the Social Relations among the Chamorro in Guam: A Qualitative Analysis
Angelica Alexander

Abstract
This study explored the impact of relative poverty in the participation of Chamorros in Chamorro- organized social events in Guam. The subjects interviewed, reluctantly admitted to the lack of money to contribute in common Chamorro celebrations. The theoretical applications encompassed Merton’s cultural strain theory and Goffman’s dramaturgical model of social life. Chamorros’ core value inafa’maolek (interdependence), and its incorporated chenchule’ principle of exchange of gifts, were followed by all the participating subjects (n=11). The shared Chamorro identity demanded compliance with ‘frontstage’ behavior.

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