From Chinese gooseberry to kiwifruit : the construction and reconstruction of Chinesehood in Aotearoa/New Zealand : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis presents a Chinese New Zealander's narrative of identity politics. Employing the methodology of self-analysis, the author approaches her own life history reflectively and critically, with a constant focus on the construction and reconstruction of Chinesehood in Aotearoa/New Zealand. Multiplicity and hybridity are the key themes of this work. Through illustrating the depth and width of her cultural heritage, the author challenges the stereotypical images of Chinese created by the Orientalist western gaze. The change and continuity of culture and ethnicity is another recurrent feature throughout the paper. Points of comparison have been given to incorporate the national history of Chinese at home and communal history of Chinese abroad into the personal narrative. The last comment should be made about the use of visual elements and unconventional presentation style. Pictures, photos, and left and centered alignments are used to supplement and support verbal arguments.