Educational achievement in Maori: The roles of cultural identity and social disadvantage

Authors

Dannette Marie, University of Otago
David M. Fergusson, University of Otago
Joseph M. Boden, University of Otago

Abstract

The present study investigates the roles of Maori cultural identity and socio-economic status in educational outcomes in a New Zealand birth cohort studied from birth to the age of 25. There were statistically significant (all p values < .01) associations between cultural identity and educational outcomes, with those of Maori ethnic identification having generally lower levels of edu- cational achievement outcomes when compared to non-Maori. In addition, those of Maori ethnic identification were exposed to significantly (p < .05) greater levels of socio-economic disadvantage in childhood. Control for socio-economic factors largely reduced the associations between cultural identity and educational outcomes to statistical non-significance. The findings suggest that educational underachievement amongst Maori can be largely explained by disparities in socio-economic status during childhood.

Recommended Citation

Marie, Dannette; Fergusson, David M.; and Boden, Joseph M. (2008) "Educational achievement in Maori: The roles of cultural identity and social disadvantage," Australian Journal of Education: Vol. 52: Iss. 2, Article 7.
Available at: https://research.acer.edu.au/aje/vol52/iss2/7