Italian and European identity constructions among Italians and Māori-Italians in New Zealand

Project rationale and aims

This project investigates Italian immigrants’ self-perceptions in relation to ‘Italianness’; cross-cultural negotiations with other identity groups, (notably Māori and ‘Pākehā’ - New Zealanders of British origin); and their perceived ‘European identity’.

It asks and attempts to answer the following research questions:

1. How do Italian immigrants of different generations redesign their identity vis-à-vis other group identities?
2. Has their identity construction been affected by the process of European integration and re-conceptualisation of citizenship and nationhood?
3. Are there significant differences in identity constructions linked to immigrants’ areas of origin and settlement, arrival period, gender, and occupation (for example, a labourer or entrepreneur)?

Through the project qualitative primary data has been collected through interviews with Italians and Māori-Italians in Wellington, Poranghau-Hastings, Turangi, and Auckland (between February - June 2013).

The findings of the case studies will be compared with life-narratives by/about these groups and with New Zealand media representations, public perceptions and policy makers’ views of the EU.

Find out more about this project