Abstract:
Immigrants have brought diverse identities to New Zealand. A study which involved exploring Chinese immigrant families’ identity choices highlights the complex politics of identity. Children’s acquisition of a positive identity is related to valued self-worth, and shared identity is believed to promote a sense of belonging and social cohesion. Yet, individual identities are fluid, and an over emphasis on collective identity creates boundaries and exclusion. This paper applies identity theories to analyse the participants’ identity choices and the implications on their children’s childhood, and curriculum and pedagogy. It argues for the need to reconceptualise the notion of identity.