ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the infrequency of physical violence between spouses among the Nagovisi of North Solomons Province (Bougainville), Papua New Guinea. It shows number of arguments which involved shouting or verbal insult. As it is a primary way of disputing, a serious insult requires litigation and usually payment of a fine, just as in the case of an injury. A series of steps in the expression of anger, where insult and property destruction were enacted first as signs of anger. The consequence of an argument between husband and wife may involve any or all of the following: physical separation or withdrawal from part of domestic life, court hearing, assessment and payment of fine, and reconciliation. Background information on cultural and social practices is provided to make these alternatives intelligible. Levinson has recently argued that "wife-beating is part of a broader cultural pattern of violent relationships between persons who reside in the same community".
