title: Editorial: Islam and Christian-Muslim Engagement at the Edges of Empires

authors: Pratt, Douglas

subjects: Arts & Humanities

abstract: In the process of working as Team Leader on the Asian section of the Christian–Muslim Relations: A Bibliographical History (CMR) project dealing with the sixteenth century and down to the terminus of the project in 1914, a number of issues emerged that led to this themed issue of ICMR. On the one hand, there are items that may be included in the bibliographical history but about which more can be yet be written. On the other, there is material which in and of itself does not qualify for inclusion in CMR, either as an individual entry or as part of a cluster entry, but which contributes something of interest and relevance for the wider story of Christian–Muslim interaction. Threading through such as these is an observation of underlying context that holds at least some of this material together: that of the engagement of Muslims and Christians taking place at the edges of empires, be that at their own far-flung extremities, or in the context of someone else’s empire.

text: Editorial: Islam and Christian-Muslim Engagement at the Edges of Empires In the process of working as Team Leader on the Asian section of the Christian–Muslim Relations: A Bibliographical History (CMR) project dealing with the sixteenth century and down to the terminus of the project in 1914, a number of issues emerged that led to this themed issue of ICMR. On the one hand, there are items that may be included in the bibliographical history but about which more can be yet be written. On the other, there is material which in and of itself does not qualify for inclusion in CMR, either as an individual entry or as part of a cluster entry, but which contributes something of interest and relevance for the wider story of Christian–Muslim interaction. Threading through such as these is an observation of underlying context that holds at least some of this material together: that of the engagement of Muslims and Christians taking place at the edges of empires, be that at their own far-flung extremities, or in the context of someone else’s empire.

year: 2018

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: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2004

authors: Rua, Mohi

subjects: Māori & Psychology Research Unit annual report

abstract: Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2004. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

text: Maori & Psychology Research Unit annual report 2004 Annual report of the Maori and Psychology Research Unit (MPRU) 2004. The unit was established in August of 1997. The unit is designed to provide a catalyst and support network for enhancing research concerning the psychological needs, aspirations, and priorities of Maori people. The MPRU is well situated to draw together skilled and experienced interdisciplinary research groups by networking and establishing working relationships with staff and students within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the University, and the wider community.

year: 2004