1997 · 61 citations · 0 references
Social SciencesEthnic StudiesSociologyCultural AnthropologyPacific Islander StudiesSubculture StudiesEthnic GroupsIndigenous EthnicityIndigenous PeoplesPacific AnthropologySamoan StudiesEthnic Group ClassificationEthnic Group RelationsEthnic Identity MaintenanceIndigenous Pacific Islander ExperiencesSamoan CultureSamoan IdentitySamoan Language
Considers the issues of ethnic identity and immigration adaptation, exploring the practice of 'labelling' through an examination of the labels 'Pacific Islander' and 'NZ-born' in the NZ context. Contends that terms or concepts such as 'Polynesia', 'Polynesian', 'Pacific Islander' and 'Pacific Way', are pan-ethnic constructs which create the myth of a homogeneous ethnic group and ignore the distinctiveness and diversity of each Pacific Island culture. Discusses the development of a NZ-born Samoan subculture and identity and the role of its members as intermediaries between the world of their parents or grandparents and the wider society.