Happiness, ethnic discrimination and human rights in post-colonial / multicultural New Zealand : an exploration of ethnic discrimination as a barrier to the fulfilment of human rights in New Zealand, through a study of the impact of ethnic discrimination from state institutions on the ability of ethnic minorities to pursue their versions of happiness : a thesis presented in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Sociology at Massey University, Albany, New Zealand
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Date
2016
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Massey University
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Abstract
The impact of ethnic discrimination on the ability of ethnic minorities to pursue their
own versions of happiness has not been explored, especially in a New Zealand
context. The pursuing of the primary sources of happiness has an impact on how
people live their daily lives. When these primary sources are either hindered or
threatened this can have an adverse effect on happiness. This research is positioned
in the post-colonial / multicultural setting that is 21st New Zealand. From a viewpoint
of liberal multiculturalism, the relationship between recognition of identity and
distribution of resources is examined through an investigation of ethnic
discrimination. This relationship is explored by positioning happiness as both an
object at stake in its navigation and as a pivot point in debate on the status of
multiculturalism.
This research draws its data from an online survey of 1878 participants in Auckland,
New Zealand, with each identifying primarily with one of six ethnic identities
(Chinese, Filipino, Indian, Maori, Pakeha and Samoan). The survey asked
respondents about their primary sources of happiness and their experiences of
ethnic discrimination from state institutions. Survey findings show that ethnic
discrimination has a negative impact on the happiness of ethnic minorities when that
discrimination puts barriers in place that prevent them from meeting their basic
needs, and, therefore their access to primary sources of happiness. The survey
findings identify family as the primary and shared source of happiness across ethnic
groups. Furthermore, the survey data indicate that it is the state institutions
responsible for meeting basic needs, or at least not hindering them, (Work and
Income, Ministry of Health and Department of Corrections) that have the highest
frequency of reported experiences of ethnic discrimination. Contextualised in a
human rights framework, these results raise suggest a possible role for group rights
(as compared to individual) in the both the negotiation of the relationship between
recognition and distribution and the eradication of discrimination by New Zealand
state institutions.
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Human rights, Social aspects, Happiness, Racism, Race relations, New Zealand, Research Subject Categories::SOCIAL SCIENCES::Social sciences::Sociology