The Silencing of Māori Men.

Abstract

This article theorises Mãori masculinities in terms of the notion of "space". I suggest that through colonial social construction, the notion of Mãori masculinity has been afforded a narrow space that, in part, has led to the extremely dysfunctional Mãori masculine archetype often performed in contemporary society. Historical and sociological analyses are provided, which deconstruct this limited space through the notions of "silence" and "communication". Throughout these analyses, I pay particular attention to two constraining discourses surrounding Mãori masculinity: the "humble Mãoriman" and the "violent Mãori man". I suggest that these two imaginary pillars have been central to the construction of the narrow space from which the diversity of Mãori masculinities has struggled to be liberated. In doing so, I provide the groundings for an understanding of a space where Mãori masculinities can "breathe" and find voices that lay beyond limited colonial constructions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] Copyright of New Zealand Journal of Counselling is the property of New Zealand Association of Counsellors and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)