Representations of varying ethnicities in children's picture books published by New Zealand authors 1960-1995

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine whether there has been an increase or decrease in representations of people of different ethnicity's in books published by New Zealand authors between the years of 1960 and 1996. Content analysis was employed to analyse 205 children's books, using fourteen pre-determined criteria. Results were analysed using descriptive statistics. It was found there has been a decrease in ethnic representations over this period, although two patterns of publication were evident. Children who do not see their ethnicity reflected in literature can experience a variety of problems, including low self esteem and low reading skills. The results of this study suggest that more attention should be paid to publishing such material, particularly as New Zealand becomes an increasingly multi-ethnic society.