Of Blokes and Men: A Qualitative Investigation of Generation and Masculine Identity Among Heterosexual Pākehā Men in Aotearoa/New Zealand

Abstract

This research aims to investigate the positions heterosexual Pākehā men take up to construct their masculine identity, and how generation as an identity category mediates these constructions. Using a social constructionist feminist approach, data were drawn from 20 individual semi-structured interviews with straight white New Zealand men, aged either between 20 and 30 or 60 and 70, using ten participants from each age group. The analysis is broadly thematic, drawing on analytic concepts such as interpretive repertoires and participants' positions of self and others to make sense of the data. Questions around early life experiences and schooling, understandings of New Zealand society and masculinity within New Zealand were asked in order to generate an understanding of the social practices and emotional repertoires participants draw on when building their identities. This thesis argues that there are far more similarities than differences between the two generations, calling into question the validity of generation as an identity category. It also argues that masculinity in New Zealand is a stable practice, informed by the figure of the Kiwi Bloke and moderated heavily by neoliberalism. This study was done in order to update the literature around (Pākehā) New Zealand masculinity and was inspired by work in Norway on generation.