Theorising the structural dynamics of ethnic privilege in Aotearoa

Unpacking “this breeze at my back” (Kimmell and Ferber 2003)

Bibliographic Data

ID12948110
AuthorsH Moewaka Barnes (0000-0001-6649-4646, Massey University, corresponding author), Belinda Borell (0000-0002-5235-4113, Massey University), Time McCreanor (Massey University)
Year2014
Volume7
Issue1
Pages1-14
Publication date2014-01-01
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessYes
TypeARTICLE
VenueInternational Journal of Critical Indigenous Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1837-0144 • E-ISSN: 1837-0144
PublisherQueensland University of Technology (PUBLISHER • AU)
DOI10.5204/ijcis.v7i1.120
OpenAlexW2888380750
LanguageEN
Citations received10
References cited19

Colonial praxis has been imposed on the culture, epistemologies and praxis of indigenous Maori in Aotearoa, entrenching the settler cultural project that ensures the continuation of the colonial state, producing damaging disparities. This article theorises ways in which settler privilege works at multiple levels supporting settler interests, aspirations and sensibilities. In institutions, myriad mundane processes operate through commerce, law, media, education, health services, environment, religion and international relations constituting settler culture, values and norms. Among individuals, settler discursive/ideological frameworks are hegemonic, powerfully influencing interactions with Maori to produce outcomes that routinely suit settlers. In the internalised domain, there is a symbiotic sense of belonging, rightness, entitlement and confidence that the established social hierarchies will serve settler interests. This structure of privilege works together with overt and implicit acts of racism to reproduce a collective sense of superiority. It requires progressive de-mobilising together with anti-racism efforts to enable our society to move toward social justice

Aotearoa · Colonialism · Hegemony · Indigenous · Political science · Politics · Praxis · Privilege (computing · Racism · Sociology · Gender Studies · Indigenous Health, Education, and Rights · Law · Qualitative Research Methods and Ethics · Youth Education and Societal Dynamics

Tools

Open DOIOpen Access