Whakaro mo te aria whanaungatanga: he ata rapu = Measurement of the whanaungatanga concept: an exploratory study

Abstract

The present study attempted to develop and test a framework for a structured interview designed to investigate the whanaungatanga concept, with a view that whanaungatanga is a process manifest through collectively beneficial behavioural interaction among whanau members. Twelve adult Maori (six of either sex) were interviewed individually on their own knowledge and experience of their respective whanau. Subjects' ages ranged from 21 to 67 years, they were of different tribal affiliations and occupations. Most subjects resided in the Hawkes Bay. Subjects provided their own definition of the whanaungatanga concept and responded to interview questions under five different capacities (or categories) previously identified by Durie. The majority of interview questions concerning behavioural practices subsumed under the five major categories were found to be relevant to the interactions within whanau of subjects interviewed. This suggested the preliminary interview framework to be a useful means of investigating the whanaungatanga process among modern whanau. Contextual influences of whanau interactions were considered, and suggestions for possible future research made, including a need for further development of a measurement framework.