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Dual cultural identity and tangihanga: Conflict, resolution and unexpected outcomes
Abstract
New Zealand has a significant number of dual-cultural whānau (families) which incorporate the identities of both Pākehā (New Zealander of European descent) and Māori (indigenous peoples of New Zealand). Little attention has been paid to the bereavement processes that will inevitably impact upon the lives of these whānau/families. As part of the Tangihanga Research Programme based at The University of Waikato, a directed study was conducted with a participant whose family/whānau included two life ways: Māori and Pākehā. An open-ended narrative approach was used to explore the participant’s bereavement after the death of his beloved wife. Two central themes emerged within the narrative, which related to conflict and eventual resolution. Decision-making processes and language played significant roles in the conflict experienced by the participant. Communication and compromise helped to resolve these conflicts. Unexpected outcomes included new understandings and strengthened connections between the participant and his wife’s marae.
Type
Conference Contribution
Type of thesis
Series
Tangihanga Research Programme
Citation
Edge, K., & Nikora, L.W. (2010). Dual cultural identity and tangihanga: Conflict, resolution and unexpected outcomes. In J.S. Te Rito & S.M. Healy (Eds.), Proceedings of the 4th International Traditional Knowledge Conference 2010 (pp. 406-412). Auckland: Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga, New Zealand's Maori Centre of Research Excellence.
Date
2010
Publisher
Ngā Pae o te Māramatanga
Degree
Supervisors
Rights
© Copyright The Authors 2010