The Multi-dimensional Model of Māori Identity and Cultural Engagement

Abstract

A Multi-dimensional Model of Māori Identity and Cultural Engagement (MMMICE) is proposed. The MMM-ICE is a hierarchically organised self-report (Likert-type) instrument designed to assess six distinct dimensions of identity and cultural engagement in Māori populations. Scale content was developed based on a detailed review of qualitative and quantitative literature on Māori identity and related constructs, and was extensively pilot tested with Māori from various backgrounds. The six dimensions assessed by the MMM-ICE are: (1) Group Membership Evaluation, (2) Socio-Political Consciousness, (3) Cultural Efficacy and Active Identity Engagement, (4) Spirituality, (5) Interdependent Self-Concept, and (6) Authenticity Beliefs. These dimensions are subsumed under more general or abstracted factors representing (at the third-tier level of analysis): (1) Self-Identification and Cultural Engagement in Socio-Political Context, (2) Enculturated Experiences of Māori Identity Traditions, and (3) Constitutive Representations of “Being” Māori. Exploratory Factor Analysis of 270 people who self-identified as Māori and/or had ancestors who were Māori provided good support for the proposed factorial structure. We argue that the MMM-ICE provides a culturally sensitive, valid and reliable self-report measure of subjective identification as Māori. A full version of the MMM-ICE is included