The concept of national character and some tentative applications of this concept to New Zealand

Abstract

I have attempted, in this thesis, to demonstrate that national character is not merely a popular myth but a scientifically useful concept. Also, I have discussed the most important difficulties arising out of such a concept, have suggested ways of overcoming them, and have examined the methods available for the delimitation of a specific national character. In Part II I have made a tentative attempt to apply these methods to New Zealand, not in order to give a full description of the New Zealand national character, but with a view to indicating the main approaches that a complete investigation should make to the problem.