Social Identity Theory and Evaluative Reactions to Maori Language in New Zealand Tertiary Institutions

Abstract

The main trends contained in the research test whether social identity theory is applicable in a cross-cultural context. Based on an assumption of universal psychological processes this study examined Tajfel and Turners Social Identity Theory of intergroup relations in a cross cultural context, and the mechanisms of intergroup behaviour which predispose towards social change Social identity perceptions were canvassed of the largest minority ethnic group in New Zealand who are the indigenous Maori. This inevitably leads to considerations of the use of appropriate methodologies in this cross-cultural milieu as well as cross-cultural acceptance of Western psychology as a basis for evaluation of Maori language attitudes. A nation wide survey of attitudes towards Maori language were quantified and used as a marker of perceived social identity, placed within the framework of social identity theory The study surveyed the reactions of 217 Maori language students towards the two official languages of New Zealand, Maori and English, in groups from 10 tertiary institutes, which broadly represented all regions. Research methodology involved the modified use of Lambert’s matched guise technique to obtain evaluative ratings, which were quantified and presented in the form of principal factor biplots for easy assimilation. The results indicate a raised minority group social identity compared with studies from previous decades but these are subject to several reservations because of methodological differences and psychosociological changes. This thesis sets a benchmark for future studies of such large scale events as group movements and social change -studies of which are rare in social identity theory. It advances the theoretical base of social identity theory by its examination of (predicted) social strategies leading to social change in a cross-cultural context, and of the effect of such social change upon minority group psychology and self-identification. The study makes a further contribution towards social psychological theory, specifically in its attempts to determine the role played by cultural factors in interpretation of phenomena, and in the possibility of interethnic accommodation of viewpoints. The conclusion of the study is that despite the widely divergent world views and identities of the two cultural groups in this study a rapprochement is possible. Because of universal psychological processes and, increasingly dual or multi ethnic ancestry and heritage, social identify theory is seen to be generalisable and the thesis’ hypotheses proved. Nonetheless, cultural relevance, in the sense of selection and emphases upon specific concepts which influence the Maori mind set, is required to be taken into serious consideration in the way in which the research is conducted, as is recommended in the following whakatauki or proverb: I te timatanga kia whakapai ai i teenei mahi i runga i te whakatauki nei: Nau te rourou naku te rourou ka ora te iwi. In English; At the commencement of this work let it proceed well according to the proverb: With your contribution and mine, people are nourished well.