Pakeha Identity and Whiteness: What does it mean to be White?

Authors

  • Claire Gray University of Canterbury
  • Nabila Jaber University of Canterbury
  • Jim Anglem University of Canterbury

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol10iss2id223

Keywords:

white privilege, white identity

Abstract

This paper is concerned with a critical examination of whiteness among those who self identify as Pakeha within a New Zealand context. Through in-depth interviews with 15 men and women we explored the proposition that the adoption of a Pakeha identity may preclude an understanding of the ways that whiteness and privilege operate. Employing thematic and discourse analysis, four major themes were identified within the data; a Pakeha relationship with Maori, the reification of whiteness, a disengagement from privilege and a separation from other white people. The functionality and organisation of language were considered in order to examine participants’ detachment from dominant white culture. This article suggests that the assumption of a Pakeha self-identity may allow the bearer to discursively obscure both the cultural capital that whiteness provides and the privileges afforded by this capital. Ultimately, this research draws attention to the intersection of privilege and whiteness within New Zealand and offers an explanation for the persistence of white hegemony.

Author Biographies

  • Claire Gray, University of Canterbury
    Claire Gray is a doctoral student with the Department of Human Services and Social Work, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Canterbury. Her research interests include the welfare system and access to justice, cross-cultural interaction and white privilege.
  • Nabila Jaber, University of Canterbury
    Dr Nabila Jaber is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with the Sociology Department, School of Social and Political Sciences, University of Canterbury. Her research interests include gender, culture and Islam; migrancy, identity and diaspora with a focus on Middle Eastern communities; postcolonialism and development; gender and empowerment in micro-credit development project.
  • Jim Anglem, University of Canterbury
    Jim Anglem is an Adjunct Senior Lecturer with Research and Innovation at the University of Canterbury. His research interests include supervision processes for Maori social workers and contemporary social attitudes within a cross-cultural context

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Published

20-12-2013

Issue

Vol. 10 No. 2 (2013)

Section

Articles

License

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How to Cite

Pakeha Identity and Whiteness: What does it mean to be White?. (2013). Sites: A Journal of Social Anthropology and Cultural Studies, 10(2), 82-106. https://doi.org/10.11157/sites-vol10iss2id223