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Regional | Waikato

New Research shows Māori Masculinity Stereotyping

The masculinity of Māori men is stereotyped.  That's according to new research by Waikato University's Professor Brendan Hokowhitu, that says Māori men were stereotyped in the past, and it continues today.

According to research called Male Masculinities, by the new Dean of Waikato University's School of Māori and Pacific Development, Professor Hokowhitu, non-Māori have stereotyped Māori since their arrival to New Zealand.

Professor Hokowhitu says, “Pākeha perception of Māori men was of savages, emotional and passionate, physical, who talked too much.”

The research was prompted 15 years ago, by his interest of how Māori men excelled in rugby, and broadened to how Māori men have evolved or devolved in a postcolonial era.

Mr Hokowhitu says that his research shows there are many stereotypes.   Since the arrival of non-Māori, Māori has been colonised to be silent and strong.  And the man "Jack the Muss" - a man of domestic violence.  Alcoholic, angry.  He let his hands do the talking.  These are the results of oppression done to Māori by the Pākeha.

Under the Inaugural Professorial Lectures by the University of Waikato, to introduce new professors, Professor Hokowhitu will present his research at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts Theatre next week.  He hopes his research will benefit future Māori.

Hokowhitu says, “I want my research to cause people to think outside the box.”

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