Post-Colonial Politics in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

The interrelationships between contemporary political & economic changes in Aotearoa/New Zealand & the articulation between gender, ethnic, & class identities in New Zealand society are examined. Postcolonial politics in New Zealand has criticized the hegemonic role of the descendants of European colonizing settlers, & class & gender concerns have typically been subordinated to those of ethnicity. Identity politics has evolved, pitting white against Maori. Increasing participation of nonwhites in political & government activities is increasing the heterogeneity, as well as the tensions, of civil society. The politicization of women & the development of local versions of feminism are discussed. Internationalization of the New Zealand economy is creating conditions in which cross-sectional forms of resistance based not on common identity, but on shared purpose, are required. 57 References. D. Generoli