title: Online and in person: Beliefs about consent and viewing explicit material

authors: Singh, Ishta

subjects: Rape myths

abstract: Through the process of technological advancement, it is now easier than ever to access sexually explicit material and be exposed to sexually objectified women. As social norms have changed traditional gender roles, rape myths have adapted to become less overt. International studies have found that there is a significant association between the frequency of viewing sexually explicit material and an increase in rape myth acceptance. In addition to this, previous research has found that the use of sexually explicit material increases attitudes supporting violence against women.

The purpose of this research was to explore the potential relationship between the frequency of use of sexually explicit material and rape myth acceptance within the New Zealand context. The first aim of the study was to measure the frequency of use of sexually explicit material in a sample of mix gendered participants (N = 297). The second aim was to investigate the level of rape myth acceptance. The third aim was to examine the possible influence consuming sexually explicit material had on rape myth acceptance. The fourth aim of the study was to investigate the influence of age on the use of sexually explicit material and rape myth acceptance. 

Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of a scale to measure the frequency of use of sexually explicit material and a separate scale to measure rape myth acceptance.
Findings did not confirm a significant relationship between male use of sexually explicit material and rape myth acceptance. However, a significant association was found between female use of sexually explicit material and rape myth acceptance; more sexually explicit material consumption by female participants was associated with rape myth acceptance. Furthermore, younger participants were more accepting of rape myths in comparison to older participants.

The results of the study should be taken into account when developing sexual consent education programs for youth. In addition, this study has implications for the viewing of sexually explicit material and the acceptance of rape myths by women. There is a need to further understand the genres of sexually explicit material engaged with by the public and the effect this potentially has on sex crimes.

text: Online and in person: Beliefs about consent and viewing explicit material Through the process of technological advancement, it is now easier than ever to access sexually explicit material and be exposed to sexually objectified women. As social norms have changed traditional gender roles, rape myths have adapted to become less overt. International studies have found that there is a significant association between the frequency of viewing sexually explicit material and an increase in rape myth acceptance. In addition to this, previous research has found that the use of sexually explicit material increases attitudes supporting violence against women.

The purpose of this research was to explore the potential relationship between the frequency of use of sexually explicit material and rape myth acceptance within the New Zealand context. The first aim of the study was to measure the frequency of use of sexually explicit material in a sample of mix gendered participants (N = 297). The second aim was to investigate the level of rape myth acceptance. The third aim was to examine the possible influence consuming sexually explicit material had on rape myth acceptance. The fourth aim of the study was to investigate the influence of age on the use of sexually explicit material and rape myth acceptance. 

Participants completed an online questionnaire consisting of a scale to measure the frequency of use of sexually explicit material and a separate scale to measure rape myth acceptance.
Findings did not confirm a significant relationship between male use of sexually explicit material and rape myth acceptance. However, a significant association was found between female use of sexually explicit material and rape myth acceptance; more sexually explicit material consumption by female participants was associated with rape myth acceptance. Furthermore, younger participants were more accepting of rape myths in comparison to older participants.

The results of the study should be taken into account when developing sexual consent education programs for youth. In addition, this study has implications for the viewing of sexually explicit material and the acceptance of rape myths by women. There is a need to further understand the genres of sexually explicit material engaged with by the public and the effect this potentially has on sex crimes.

year: 2019

title: Quality of life, quality of business, and destinations of recent graduates: fields of study matter

authors: Grimes, Arthur

subjects: Social Sciences

abstract: One of the main challenges facing non-metropolitan regions is the attraction and retention of highly-educated young people. A loss of the brightest can lead to reduced business creation, innovation, growth and community well-being in such regions. We use rich longitudinal microdata from New Zealand to analyse the determinants and geography of the choice of destination of recent university and polytechnic graduates 2 years and 4 years after graduation. Rather than considering a range of location-specific consumption and production amenities, we assume spatial equilibrium and calculate, following Chen and Rosenthal (J Urban Econ 64:519–537, 2008), ‘quality of life’ and ‘quality of business’ indicators for urban areas that encompass all amenities that are utility and/or productivity enhancing (or reducing, in the case of disamenities). Specifically, we test whether students locate in places that are regarded as good to live or good to do business; and how this differs by field of study. Our estimates are conditional on students’ prior school (home) location and the location of their higher education institution. We find that graduates are attracted to locate in urban places that have high quality production amenities. High quality consumption amenities have heterogeneous effects on the location choice of students. Creative arts and commerce graduates are relatively more likely to locate in places that are attractive to business, consistent with a symbiosis between bohemians and business. Decision makers can leverage their existing local strengths, in terms of production and/or consumption amenities, to act as drawcards for, or to retain, recent graduates in specific fields.

text: Quality of life, quality of business, and destinations of recent graduates: fields of study matter One of the main challenges facing non-metropolitan regions is the attraction and retention of highly-educated young people. A loss of the brightest can lead to reduced business creation, innovation, growth and community well-being in such regions. We use rich longitudinal microdata from New Zealand to analyse the determinants and geography of the choice of destination of recent university and polytechnic graduates 2 years and 4 years after graduation. Rather than considering a range of location-specific consumption and production amenities, we assume spatial equilibrium and calculate, following Chen and Rosenthal (J Urban Econ 64:519–537, 2008), ‘quality of life’ and ‘quality of business’ indicators for urban areas that encompass all amenities that are utility and/or productivity enhancing (or reducing, in the case of disamenities). Specifically, we test whether students locate in places that are regarded as good to live or good to do business; and how this differs by field of study. Our estimates are conditional on students’ prior school (home) location and the location of their higher education institution. We find that graduates are attracted to locate in urban places that have high quality production amenities. High quality consumption amenities have heterogeneous effects on the location choice of students. Creative arts and commerce graduates are relatively more likely to locate in places that are attractive to business, consistent with a symbiosis between bohemians and business. Decision makers can leverage their existing local strengths, in terms of production and/or consumption amenities, to act as drawcards for, or to retain, recent graduates in specific fields.

year: 2022

title: Barriers and facilitators to Oranga Tamariki access: Wāhine voices from Te Whakaruruhau

authors: Mcleay, Ana

abstract: This thesis examines how wāhine supported by Te Whakaruruhau Waikato Women’s Refuge experience Oranga Tamariki (OT) in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), and what barriers and facilitators shape their access to services. Within a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, influenced by Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wahine principles, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured, kanohi ki te kanohi interviews with six wāhine and kaimahi. Reflexive thematic analysis identified seven themes, grouped into two overarching clusters: barriers and facilitators to OT access. Barriers were pervasive and cumulative, encompassing relational harm, negligence, fear and risk, and cultural tokenism. Facilitators - collaborative advocacy, strengths-based practice, and procedural justice - were comparatively rare and often dependent on external supports rather than systemic provision.

Mapping these findings against Te Hā o Whānau, an access framework, revealed that barriers emerged where tikanga manaakitanga, tikanga whakawhanaungatanga, and tikanga rangatiratanga were absent, while facilitators aligned with their enactment. Te Hā o Whānau conceptualises access as a relational and culturally grounded process inseparable from wellbeing, making it both conceptually robust and uniquely suited to Aotearoa. The analysis demonstrates that OT, as currently structured, undermines whānau wellbeing through systemic practices that erode mana, restrict autonomy, and compromise safety. In the immediate term, strengthened collaborative advocacy offers some protection and support, but meaningful change requires systemic transformation.

Future research should examine how Te Hā o Whānau might be further operationalised across different service contexts and explore experiences of wāhine and whānau with OT in a variety of contexts to build a fuller understanding of access and wellbeing in child welfare.

text: Barriers and facilitators to Oranga Tamariki access: Wāhine voices from Te Whakaruruhau This thesis examines how wāhine supported by Te Whakaruruhau Waikato Women’s Refuge experience Oranga Tamariki (OT) in the context of intimate partner violence (IPV), and what barriers and facilitators shape their access to services. Within a Community-Based Participatory Research approach, influenced by Kaupapa Māori and Mana Wahine principles, qualitative data were collected through semi-structured, kanohi ki te kanohi interviews with six wāhine and kaimahi. Reflexive thematic analysis identified seven themes, grouped into two overarching clusters: barriers and facilitators to OT access. Barriers were pervasive and cumulative, encompassing relational harm, negligence, fear and risk, and cultural tokenism. Facilitators - collaborative advocacy, strengths-based practice, and procedural justice - were comparatively rare and often dependent on external supports rather than systemic provision.

Mapping these findings against Te Hā o Whānau, an access framework, revealed that barriers emerged where tikanga manaakitanga, tikanga whakawhanaungatanga, and tikanga rangatiratanga were absent, while facilitators aligned with their enactment. Te Hā o Whānau conceptualises access as a relational and culturally grounded process inseparable from wellbeing, making it both conceptually robust and uniquely suited to Aotearoa. The analysis demonstrates that OT, as currently structured, undermines whānau wellbeing through systemic practices that erode mana, restrict autonomy, and compromise safety. In the immediate term, strengthened collaborative advocacy offers some protection and support, but meaningful change requires systemic transformation.

Future research should examine how Te Hā o Whānau might be further operationalised across different service contexts and explore experiences of wāhine and whānau with OT in a variety of contexts to build a fuller understanding of access and wellbeing in child welfare.

year: 2025