title: A Transnational Analysis of Elderly European Wealth Distributions: Developing and Testing New Methodologies within the new Household Financial and Consumption Survey

authors: Gaylard, David Michael

subjects: wealth

abstract: Transnational wealth inequality is an expanding field of study. However, the field has many limitations especially relating to problems of data availability, methodologies used, and the very limited pool of existing transnational literature. Alongside these basic limitations is a predominating focus on populations as a whole that correspond with a dearth of studies concerned specifically with elderly wealth distributions.
This thesis’ objective is to tackle these three problematic areas in the field, but with a specific focus on the elderly. In particular, new methodologies for analysing transnational distributions of wealth are explored and developed. These new methodologies are then tested within the Household Financial and Consumption Survey environment specifically focusing on the elderly population. This new survey provides an extensive high quality database on household financial characteristics that are pivotal to transnational and sub-cohort focused analysis.
The analysis generates several results. The first is a tested framework of a multifaceted approach for describing wealth distributions. This approach counters the widespread habit of using summary statistics which do not fully describe distributions. The results also provide evidence for two distinct macro distributions of wealth within the countries observed. These distributions represent two ends on a spectrum which contains all the possible wealth distribution shapes.
The combination of developing new methodological tools of analysis and testing them within a new data environment contribute significantly to the field. These new tools will allow for a standardised view providing deep level analysis which is still applicable to a large dataset.

text: A Transnational Analysis of Elderly European Wealth Distributions: Developing and Testing New Methodologies within the new Household Financial and Consumption Survey Transnational wealth inequality is an expanding field of study. However, the field has many limitations especially relating to problems of data availability, methodologies used, and the very limited pool of existing transnational literature. Alongside these basic limitations is a predominating focus on populations as a whole that correspond with a dearth of studies concerned specifically with elderly wealth distributions.
This thesis’ objective is to tackle these three problematic areas in the field, but with a specific focus on the elderly. In particular, new methodologies for analysing transnational distributions of wealth are explored and developed. These new methodologies are then tested within the Household Financial and Consumption Survey environment specifically focusing on the elderly population. This new survey provides an extensive high quality database on household financial characteristics that are pivotal to transnational and sub-cohort focused analysis.
The analysis generates several results. The first is a tested framework of a multifaceted approach for describing wealth distributions. This approach counters the widespread habit of using summary statistics which do not fully describe distributions. The results also provide evidence for two distinct macro distributions of wealth within the countries observed. These distributions represent two ends on a spectrum which contains all the possible wealth distribution shapes.
The combination of developing new methodological tools of analysis and testing them within a new data environment contribute significantly to the field. These new tools will allow for a standardised view providing deep level analysis which is still applicable to a large dataset.

year: 2017

title: Young mothers speak out: Young Pākehā women's experiences of motherhood.

authors: Banks, Hannah

subjects: Young mothers

abstract: Early motherhood is a much debated and highly contentious topic. This research aimed to explore young Pākehā women's experiences of motherhood using a feminist qualitative framework. Twelve women, six current young mothers and six former young mothers, were interviewed via focus groups and individual interviews. The analysis revealed that Pākehā culture constructs young mothers as problematic because they challenge the 'traditional' family dominant in Pākehā culture. By having children prior to, rather than after, workforce participation and achieving economic independence, young mothers challenge the prescribed life trajectory for Pākehā women. The women in this study discussed both the positive aspects and the challenges they faced as young mothers. In contrast to common public perceptions and media representations of early motherhood as negative, motherhood positively transformed the women's lives. This was discussed in terms of ceasing destructive activities and gaining motivation to return to education. The young mothers in this study had flexible parenting styles, which allowed them freedom from Pākehā cultural pressure to 'do motherhood' in a particular way. As young mothers, the women had high energy levels and anticipated early future freedom from childcare duties to pursue their dreams. Challenges discussed by the women included incorporating unanticipated early motherhood into long-held life goals, feeling exhausted, having a lack of time for themselves and having too little support. Financial hardship, poverty, judgment and stigma surfaced as major challenges which affected all areas of the women's lives. However, the women also resisted this discrimination by using a range of strategies, which positions them as women with agency, challenging their representation within literature as passive victims. Young women will not use services where they perceive they will be judged for being who they are. As levels of support appear to determine how young women experience motherhood, services have a vital role to play in supporting young mothers. The findings of this study highlighted the complex and contradictory nature of the young mothers' stories, presenting a challenge to simple and stereotypical negative discourses of early motherhood.

text: Young mothers speak out: Young Pākehā women's experiences of motherhood. Early motherhood is a much debated and highly contentious topic. This research aimed to explore young Pākehā women's experiences of motherhood using a feminist qualitative framework. Twelve women, six current young mothers and six former young mothers, were interviewed via focus groups and individual interviews. The analysis revealed that Pākehā culture constructs young mothers as problematic because they challenge the 'traditional' family dominant in Pākehā culture. By having children prior to, rather than after, workforce participation and achieving economic independence, young mothers challenge the prescribed life trajectory for Pākehā women. The women in this study discussed both the positive aspects and the challenges they faced as young mothers. In contrast to common public perceptions and media representations of early motherhood as negative, motherhood positively transformed the women's lives. This was discussed in terms of ceasing destructive activities and gaining motivation to return to education. The young mothers in this study had flexible parenting styles, which allowed them freedom from Pākehā cultural pressure to 'do motherhood' in a particular way. As young mothers, the women had high energy levels and anticipated early future freedom from childcare duties to pursue their dreams. Challenges discussed by the women included incorporating unanticipated early motherhood into long-held life goals, feeling exhausted, having a lack of time for themselves and having too little support. Financial hardship, poverty, judgment and stigma surfaced as major challenges which affected all areas of the women's lives. However, the women also resisted this discrimination by using a range of strategies, which positions them as women with agency, challenging their representation within literature as passive victims. Young women will not use services where they perceive they will be judged for being who they are. As levels of support appear to determine how young women experience motherhood, services have a vital role to play in supporting young mothers. The findings of this study highlighted the complex and contradictory nature of the young mothers' stories, presenting a challenge to simple and stereotypical negative discourses of early motherhood.

year: 2008

title: He raraunga inamata, he toronga ānamata, he huanga āke tonu atu: A multifaceted approach to improving quality of life for upper limb amputees

authors: August, Luke

subjects: Prosthesis

abstract: This thesis investigates innovative approaches to enhance the quality of life for upper limb amputees, integrating advanced prosthetic design, neurocontrol systems, and Māori knowledge systems. With the prevalence of prosthetic rejection and limitations in current designs affecting amputees' daily functionality and psychological well-being, a multifaceted strategy is essential. This research aims to address these challenges by improving prosthetic functionality, user control mechanisms, and incorporating cultural perspectives into prosthetic development.
The study first focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of four low-cost prosthetic hands. Assessing their Degrees of Freedom (DoF), Range of Motion (RoM), and Kapandji scores. The research proposes a novel hybrid coupled-tendon system. This system aims to combine the adaptability of underactuated designs with the precision control of coupled mechanisms, enhancing the prosthetic hands' functionality and grasp versatility.
In exploring control mechanisms, an EEG-based control system was developed to improve the intuitiveness of prosthetic control. Through comparative analysis of motor execution and action observation training regimes, facilitated by a digital twin, the study evaluates the efficacy of these methods in enhancing users' control over the prosthetics. The research identifies limitations in the classification of multiple active grasps and suggests potential improvements through augmented and virtual reality training environments. 
This thesis incorporates Māori perspectives by examining how mātauranga Māori can inform and enrich prosthetic design and usage. Through the analysis of pūrākau Māori, this work highlights the importance of considering the mauri, whakapapa of materials in prosthetic manufacturing and the implications of tapu on control systems. This inclusion aims to create culturally resonant devices that acknowledge and integrate the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the user's identity, offering a holistic approach to prosthetic development.
This interdisciplinary research contributes to the field by proposing a comprehensive framework that not only advances prosthetic technology but also aligns with cultural values and practices. By addressing the technical, psychological, and cultural needs of upper limb amputees, the project underscores the potential of combining engineering innovation with cultural wisdom to significantly improve amputees' autonomy and well-being. The findings advocate for a more inclusive and holistic approach to prosthetic development, emphasizing the importance of user-centric design and cultural competency in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with limb loss.

text: He raraunga inamata, he toronga ānamata, he huanga āke tonu atu: A multifaceted approach to improving quality of life for upper limb amputees This thesis investigates innovative approaches to enhance the quality of life for upper limb amputees, integrating advanced prosthetic design, neurocontrol systems, and Māori knowledge systems. With the prevalence of prosthetic rejection and limitations in current designs affecting amputees' daily functionality and psychological well-being, a multifaceted strategy is essential. This research aims to address these challenges by improving prosthetic functionality, user control mechanisms, and incorporating cultural perspectives into prosthetic development.
The study first focuses on the design, development, and evaluation of four low-cost prosthetic hands. Assessing their Degrees of Freedom (DoF), Range of Motion (RoM), and Kapandji scores. The research proposes a novel hybrid coupled-tendon system. This system aims to combine the adaptability of underactuated designs with the precision control of coupled mechanisms, enhancing the prosthetic hands' functionality and grasp versatility.
In exploring control mechanisms, an EEG-based control system was developed to improve the intuitiveness of prosthetic control. Through comparative analysis of motor execution and action observation training regimes, facilitated by a digital twin, the study evaluates the efficacy of these methods in enhancing users' control over the prosthetics. The research identifies limitations in the classification of multiple active grasps and suggests potential improvements through augmented and virtual reality training environments. 
This thesis incorporates Māori perspectives by examining how mātauranga Māori can inform and enrich prosthetic design and usage. Through the analysis of pūrākau Māori, this work highlights the importance of considering the mauri, whakapapa of materials in prosthetic manufacturing and the implications of tapu on control systems. This inclusion aims to create culturally resonant devices that acknowledge and integrate the spiritual and cultural dimensions of the user's identity, offering a holistic approach to prosthetic development.
This interdisciplinary research contributes to the field by proposing a comprehensive framework that not only advances prosthetic technology but also aligns with cultural values and practices. By addressing the technical, psychological, and cultural needs of upper limb amputees, the project underscores the potential of combining engineering innovation with cultural wisdom to significantly improve amputees' autonomy and well-being. The findings advocate for a more inclusive and holistic approach to prosthetic development, emphasizing the importance of user-centric design and cultural competency in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with limb loss.

year: 2024