title: Expanding understandings of wellbeing through researching women's experiences of intergenerational somatic dance classes

authors: Barbour, Karen

subjects: Social Sciences

abstract: Engaging a feminist ethnographic methodology, this article offers a discussion of women’s embodied experiences of wellbeing in intergenerational somatic dance classes. Somatic dance classes aim to develop embodied awareness, support ease and freedom in movement, and offer opportunities for creativity, agency and reflection. Drawing on in-depth interviews, observation and autoethnographic vignettes, three themes emerged from the empirical material that expand understandings of wellbeing as a fluid and dynamic experience, reveal the value for women in moving for movement’s sake, and identify the significance of intergenerational contexts for moving together. As a consequence, this research offers insight into ways in which women participating in somatic dance classes have re-interpreted wellbeing practices, ‘re-claiming’ wellbeing from circulating neoliberal, self-improvement and productivity agendas, and instead, dancing into wellbeing.

text: Expanding understandings of wellbeing through researching women's experiences of intergenerational somatic dance classes Engaging a feminist ethnographic methodology, this article offers a discussion of women’s embodied experiences of wellbeing in intergenerational somatic dance classes. Somatic dance classes aim to develop embodied awareness, support ease and freedom in movement, and offer opportunities for creativity, agency and reflection. Drawing on in-depth interviews, observation and autoethnographic vignettes, three themes emerged from the empirical material that expand understandings of wellbeing as a fluid and dynamic experience, reveal the value for women in moving for movement’s sake, and identify the significance of intergenerational contexts for moving together. As a consequence, this research offers insight into ways in which women participating in somatic dance classes have re-interpreted wellbeing practices, ‘re-claiming’ wellbeing from circulating neoliberal, self-improvement and productivity agendas, and instead, dancing into wellbeing.

year: 2019

title: From chaos to cohesion - complexity in tourism structures: An analysis of New Zealand's regional tourism organizations

authors: Zahra, Anne Louise

subjects: chaos

abstract: This paper discusses chaos theory and provides a brief description of chaos and complexity theory. It notes past applications in tourism research with specific reference to the work of Russell and Faulkner relating to Australia's Gold Coast. In this paper, the concept is discussed with reference to regional tourism organizations in New Zealand. Both cases provide examples of complexity, attractors and dampeners, and feedback loops that limit change. It is suggested that one important contribution of chaos and complexity theory is that it provides a language to help identify the components of, and change within, a social system. The paper concludes that inherent in a complex system lies the notion that truly complex social phenomena embrace the linear, stable and predictable along with change, the dynamic, new, and unpredictable and even symbolic meaning.

text: From chaos to cohesion - complexity in tourism structures: An analysis of New Zealand's regional tourism organizations This paper discusses chaos theory and provides a brief description of chaos and complexity theory. It notes past applications in tourism research with specific reference to the work of Russell and Faulkner relating to Australia's Gold Coast. In this paper, the concept is discussed with reference to regional tourism organizations in New Zealand. Both cases provide examples of complexity, attractors and dampeners, and feedback loops that limit change. It is suggested that one important contribution of chaos and complexity theory is that it provides a language to help identify the components of, and change within, a social system. The paper concludes that inherent in a complex system lies the notion that truly complex social phenomena embrace the linear, stable and predictable along with change, the dynamic, new, and unpredictable and even symbolic meaning.

year: 2007

title: Creating an environment to inform, build, and sustain a Māori health research workforce

authors: Barrett, Nikki Maree

subjects: Kaupapa Māori

abstract: Ensuring the growth and development of the Māori health research workforce is key to achieving health equity for Māori and enabling positive change for all New Zealanders. The purpose of this study was to identify enablers and barriers to research for Māori staff in a large health organisation, and to understand how research is developed and undertaken. A Kaupapa Māori mixed-methods study was undertaken, using an electronic survey comprised of quantitative data and open-ended responses delivered to all Māori staff at the Waikato District Health Board. Following the survey were 10 one on one interviews. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and open-ended responses summarised. A descriptive thematic analysis was undertaken of the interview data. Each of the interview responses was coded and five themes emerged. Frontline Māori staff affirmed their desire to conduct, design, and undertake health research. Challenges to staff included a lack of information on research opportunities, unclear processes for initiating research, and lack of support and resource. The evidence from participants provides insights into Māori health research priorities, considerations for those wanting to undertake research, and solutions for informing, building, and sustaining the Māori health research workforce.

text: Creating an environment to inform, build, and sustain a Māori health research workforce Ensuring the growth and development of the Māori health research workforce is key to achieving health equity for Māori and enabling positive change for all New Zealanders. The purpose of this study was to identify enablers and barriers to research for Māori staff in a large health organisation, and to understand how research is developed and undertaken. A Kaupapa Māori mixed-methods study was undertaken, using an electronic survey comprised of quantitative data and open-ended responses delivered to all Māori staff at the Waikato District Health Board. Following the survey were 10 one on one interviews. Survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics and open-ended responses summarised. A descriptive thematic analysis was undertaken of the interview data. Each of the interview responses was coded and five themes emerged. Frontline Māori staff affirmed their desire to conduct, design, and undertake health research. Challenges to staff included a lack of information on research opportunities, unclear processes for initiating research, and lack of support and resource. The evidence from participants provides insights into Māori health research priorities, considerations for those wanting to undertake research, and solutions for informing, building, and sustaining the Māori health research workforce.

year: 2023