Maori identity has changed as a result of many factors including colonisation, assimilation and social change. Traditional Maori identity is constructed within whanau, hapu and iwi relations. As Maori have moved away from traditional iwi areas, the traditional forms of identification as Maori have been challenged. Maori whanau with at least two generations present, were interviewed using open-ended questions. Interviews were then transcribed and coded to ascertain important features of Maori identity. This research shows that Maori participants identified with most of the traditional forms of Maoridom such as the importance of land, language, whakapapa and traditions. The Treaty of Waitangi has become a form of identification for some Maori, particularly urban Maori. There were also some differences between generations within whanau and between rural and urban Maori. Grounded theory was used within the scope of this research as it was deemed to be more reflective of Maori realities than conventional (i.e., Western) psychological theories.
Maori participants indicated concern with some themes within New Zealand society that have a negative impact on Maori identity. Social expectations, negative stereotypes and commercialism were major concerns for Maori. Issues with education, power, money and finance and politics were also deemed of great concern and a threat to a positive Maori identity. Participants also commented on the need for more positive role models for young Maori and the need for bicultural initiatives to improve Maori and Pakeha relations. Recommendations are that there should be more money focused on positive initiatives rather than focusing on prisons and welfare. There should also be more emphasis on the Treaty of Waitangi in education with emphasis on why it is important in New Zealands history.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:ADTP/217612 |
| Date | January 2000 |
| Creators | Rawson, Lisette C, n/a |
| Publisher | University of Otago. Department of Psychology |
| Source Sets | Australiasian Digital Theses Program |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Rights | http://policy01.otago.ac.nz/policies/FMPro?-db=policies.fm&-format=viewpolicy.html&-lay=viewpolicy&-sortfield=Title&Type=Academic&-recid=33025&-find), Copyright Lisette C Rawson |
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