title: ‘Rise of ram raiders’: A foucauldian discourse analysis exploring media representations of collective youth crime in New Zealand media, 2019-2023.

authors: Ali, Aliyah

subjects: Youth

abstract: Over the past several years, there has been media commotion about the term ram raids and the escalation it has brought to youth crimes. Whilst there have been media claims towards increasing youth crime numbers and speculation from mainstream media about ram raiders’ involvement in crime; the statistical evidence seems to state otherwise. The media is a powerful institution that can lead to constructing discourses that can influence the attitudes of the general public and in turn lead to various policy changes. Ram raiders are presented in the media through predominantly negative narratives and have increased discussions in regard to controlling the youth from ram-raiding behaviour. There currently is no research that directly examines the discourses of youth ram raiders in New Zealand media. Therefore, this thesis will use a Foucauldian discursive approach to analyse the representation of the term ram raiders in newspaper articles in New Zealand media, and the consequences that arise as a result of such discourses. The results showed that there were three discourses identified: the criminal discourse, the outsiders discourse, and the moral panic discourse, alongside a competing discourse of youth as victims. The criminal discourse was identified as the dominant discourse which emphasises youth committing ram raids as an individualised issue. The outsiders discourse was supported by the criminal discourse and linked ram raiders to gang members and ethnic minorities further creating an us vs them rhetoric. Moral panic was a discourse that emphasised the power held by the media as the publications reached an extensive audience presenting ram raiders as criminals and outsiders creating a moral panic in public. A competing discourse was identified with ram raiders being presented as the victims shown to be a necessary addition to the conversation. It provided an alternative perspective that challenged the dominant discourse to allow for a well-rounded representation of the ram raiders. Further discursive practices represented the positionality of public and political figures leading to the punishment of young people participating in ram raids.

text: ‘Rise of ram raiders’: A foucauldian discourse analysis exploring media representations of collective youth crime in New Zealand media, 2019-2023. Over the past several years, there has been media commotion about the term ram raids and the escalation it has brought to youth crimes. Whilst there have been media claims towards increasing youth crime numbers and speculation from mainstream media about ram raiders’ involvement in crime; the statistical evidence seems to state otherwise. The media is a powerful institution that can lead to constructing discourses that can influence the attitudes of the general public and in turn lead to various policy changes. Ram raiders are presented in the media through predominantly negative narratives and have increased discussions in regard to controlling the youth from ram-raiding behaviour. There currently is no research that directly examines the discourses of youth ram raiders in New Zealand media. Therefore, this thesis will use a Foucauldian discursive approach to analyse the representation of the term ram raiders in newspaper articles in New Zealand media, and the consequences that arise as a result of such discourses. The results showed that there were three discourses identified: the criminal discourse, the outsiders discourse, and the moral panic discourse, alongside a competing discourse of youth as victims. The criminal discourse was identified as the dominant discourse which emphasises youth committing ram raids as an individualised issue. The outsiders discourse was supported by the criminal discourse and linked ram raiders to gang members and ethnic minorities further creating an us vs them rhetoric. Moral panic was a discourse that emphasised the power held by the media as the publications reached an extensive audience presenting ram raiders as criminals and outsiders creating a moral panic in public. A competing discourse was identified with ram raiders being presented as the victims shown to be a necessary addition to the conversation. It provided an alternative perspective that challenged the dominant discourse to allow for a well-rounded representation of the ram raiders. Further discursive practices represented the positionality of public and political figures leading to the punishment of young people participating in ram raids.

year: 2024

title: Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) in International Contexts

authors: Medvedev, Oleg N.

abstract: The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) is a tool used by psychologists to measure negative emotions like depression, anxiety, and stress. It provides individual scores for each emotion and an overall score for general mental health. The DASS is used worldwide in both general and clinical populations. In this chapter, the background of depression, anxiety, and stress is discussed along with the history of the scale’s development and validation. The DASS has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure of these negative emotions. This tool has been translated into several languages and has been tested across different cultures. The importance of measuring negative emotions is significant because it helps clinicians identify and treat mental health problems. The DASS is a useful tool for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring treatment progress for those experiencing such negative emotions.

text: Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-21) in International Contexts The Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS) is a tool used by psychologists to measure negative emotions like depression, anxiety, and stress. It provides individual scores for each emotion and an overall score for general mental health. The DASS is used worldwide in both general and clinical populations. In this chapter, the background of depression, anxiety, and stress is discussed along with the history of the scale’s development and validation. The DASS has been shown to be a reliable and valid measure of these negative emotions. This tool has been translated into several languages and has been tested across different cultures. The importance of measuring negative emotions is significant because it helps clinicians identify and treat mental health problems. The DASS is a useful tool for screening, diagnosing, and monitoring treatment progress for those experiencing such negative emotions.

year: 2023-06-13

title: RE-AUTHORISING BICULTURAL EXPERIENCES: Listening to previously silenced voices

authors: Stubbings, Mary Ann

subjects: Education

abstract: "Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence."
Leonardo de Vinci

The principles of the Doctrine of Discovery, conceived 500 years ago, advocated absolute power and authority for European invaders to conquer and claim indigenous land. This shaped the converging of Māori/Settler relationships and validated the colonisation of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

This thesis contends that the historic and taken for granted power and privilege that has benefitted Pākehā, transpired through a reimagined, fabricated version of our separate and combined past. The study unearths ingrained Pākehā perspectives and stereotypes about Māori, and a rejection of their disparate culture and identity. It highlights the role of schooling in Aotearoa New Zealand as a tool of colonisation to erase the culture and identity of Māori and to maintain a world view that authorised power and privilege for the Settlers. 

The study challenges Pākehā to 'step up' by shattering the sphere of silence around our combined historical narratives. It urges us [Pākehā] to develop critical consciousness so we may reflect on the world, and our position within it.

Inherent in this research is the premise that for Aotearoa, New Zealand to devise a future based on respectful and equitable sharing of social, financial, cultural, spiritual, and physical resources and opportunities, our silenced history, authorised by the State through the procedures of colonisation, must be acknowledged.

text: RE-AUTHORISING BICULTURAL EXPERIENCES: Listening to previously silenced voices "Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence."
Leonardo de Vinci

The principles of the Doctrine of Discovery, conceived 500 years ago, advocated absolute power and authority for European invaders to conquer and claim indigenous land. This shaped the converging of Māori/Settler relationships and validated the colonisation of Aotearoa New Zealand. 

This thesis contends that the historic and taken for granted power and privilege that has benefitted Pākehā, transpired through a reimagined, fabricated version of our separate and combined past. The study unearths ingrained Pākehā perspectives and stereotypes about Māori, and a rejection of their disparate culture and identity. It highlights the role of schooling in Aotearoa New Zealand as a tool of colonisation to erase the culture and identity of Māori and to maintain a world view that authorised power and privilege for the Settlers. 

The study challenges Pākehā to 'step up' by shattering the sphere of silence around our combined historical narratives. It urges us [Pākehā] to develop critical consciousness so we may reflect on the world, and our position within it.

Inherent in this research is the premise that for Aotearoa, New Zealand to devise a future based on respectful and equitable sharing of social, financial, cultural, spiritual, and physical resources and opportunities, our silenced history, authorised by the State through the procedures of colonisation, must be acknowledged.

year: 2023