Whanau, whakapapa and identity in experiences of organ donation and transplantation

Authors

  • Robert Webb
  • Rhonda M. Shaw

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol8iss1id154

Keywords:

Maori experiences, organ donation, organ transplantation, tissue donation

Abstract

This article is based upon qualitative interviews with Maori and their whanau, and explores research into the direct experiences and perspectives of Maori on organ or tissue donation and transplantation. The participants in this research reflected upon their experiences with references to understandings of embodiment, the meanings of the gift in donation, identity as Maori, and cultural wellbeing. The research indicates that these experiences were often linked to wider understandings of whanau and whakapapa, rather than just individualistic notions of the body and transplantation as an end point of health care and wellbeing.

Author Biographies

  • Robert Webb
    Robert Webb is a senior lecturer and programme leader for the undergraduate programmes in Social Sciences, Criminology and Conflict Resolution in the Department of Social Sciences at AUT University. Robert has a background in sociology and criminology. His previous research has examined the Waitangi tribunal's development, and criminogenic needs and risk factors for Maori. Robert's current research and teaching interests include indigenous criminology, state criminal justice policies and Maori offenders, and Maori identity and organ donation and transplantation. Robert is a Co-Editor of the 'New Zealand Sociology Journal'.
  • Rhonda M. Shaw
    Rhonda Shaw is a sociologist at the School of Social & Cultural Studies, Victoria University of Wellington. She has been doing empirical research on New Zealanders' experiences of tissue exchange since 2002. Her work on organ donation and transplantation has been published widely in international journals, including 'Social Science & Medicine', 'Current Sociology', 'Health: An Interdisciplinary Journal for the Social Study of Health, Illness and Medicine', 'Health Sociology Review,' and 'Body & Society'.

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Published

23-05-2011

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 1 (2011)

Section

Articles

License

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How to Cite

Whanau, whakapapa and identity in experiences of organ donation and transplantation. (2011). Sites: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, 8(1), 40-58. https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol8iss1id154