Whose paradise is New Zealand, female or male? : an investigation into the different perspectives of the immigration experience between professional Chinese females and males : a thesis presented in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in Social Policy at Massey University

Abstract

This thesis presents a different investigation for the study of professional Chinese immigrants in New Zealand. The significant difference is that it focuses on the impact of gender differences on immigration experiences since the new wave of immigrants from Mainland China in the early 1990s. In terms of the research objective, this thesis provides a critical review of the theoretical perspective of relationships between gender and immigration, and highlights the major studies of Chinese immigrants in New Zealand. This research employs phenomenological methodology and biographical life story to narrate the participants' immigration experiences. Based on in-depth interviews with six professional Chinese immigrants, this thesis critically discusses their immigration experiences in depth, focusing on key themes: the participants' background, transition, settlement, and identity. Utilising a thematic analysis, this thesis illustrates that, apart from social and cultural factors, gendered perspectives have affected the diverse immigration experiences of Chinese females and males. The study also explores the fact that both societies, China and New Zealand, have shaped immigrants' cultural and gender identities. Implications for policy and directions in future research arising from this study for improving Chinese immigrants' settlement and integration are briefly suggested.