Maori Socio-Economic Disparity

Abstract

The current closing of the gaps debate focuses on differences in ethnic population averages and largely ignores intra-group differences. This paper argues that reported Maori ethnicity is often multiple rather than singular, evolving rather than primordial, and fluid rather than rigid. Intra-group differences are examined and found to be large. Averages alone are misleading in describing socio-economic outcomes and can give rise to incorrect stereotypes of ethnic groups as successes or failures. This paper raises questions about whether the linkage between ethnicity and outcomes is causal in any simple sense. Various explanations of disparity and the possible policy responses are canvassed. In terms of the gaps policy, the paper draws attention to the disproportionate sub-cultural disadvantage experienced by those who identify only as Maori, who have no educational qualifications, and who live outside the major urban centres.

Ethnic Classification in the New Zealand Health Care System

“…This means that the complex nature of social experience as an ethnicized person-one who regards him or herself as a member of an ethnic group or is treated by others in ethnic terms-is essentialized to the entire ethnic or "race" group in the interests of tribal politics. It also means that the wide variation of intragroup differences within the Maori population, including the sociocultural lifestyles of the marginalized subgroup identified by Chapple (2000), is portrayed as consequences of the historical experiences of the entire ethnic group and the cause of the persistence of disadvantage. It is more likely that sociocultural factors that may or may not have an ethnic dimension are the cause of poor health outcomes.…”

A Place to Stand: Land and Water in Māori Film

“…In this context, the almost schizophrenic, sociopathic rage that inhabits the film's male protagonist, Jake "The Muss" (Temuera Morrison), reads unambiguously, as springing from a dysfunctional urban double-consciousness, dysfunction and delinquency. "Embodying the (debated) statistics of 'Māori socio-economic disparity'" (Chapple 2000), the family embarks on a path of destruction caused by poverty, unemployment, alcoholism, domestic violence, sexual abuse and gang activity" (Martens 10).…”

Breaking the Consensus: The Politicisation of Maori Affairs

“…The present Labour led Government embarked upon this path at the being of its first term of office with its 'Closing the Gaps' policy. Then, in reaction to Pakeha resentment, and on the basis of research purporting to show that the gap in socio-economic status between Maori and Pakeha did not exist (Chapple 2000), it changed its policy to one of 'Reducing Inequalities' across the board. Alternative proposals by the ACT and National Parties define the problem of Maori disadvantage as one of individual moral shortcomings, and seek to deal with this through a policy of punitive welfare reforms.…”