Citation

Herbert S, Stephens C, Forster M. Int. J. Drug Policy 2018; 54: 123-129.

Affiliation

Te Pūtahi-a-Toi, The School of Māori Art, Knowledge & Education, Massey University, Private Bag 11-222, Palmerston North 4442, New Zealand. Electronic address: M.E.Forster@massey.ac.nz.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, Elsevier Publishing)

DOI

10.1016/j.drugpo.2018.01.017

PMID

29428887

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The predominant framing of indigenous people's alcohol use as problematic has resulted in narrow understandings of indigenous alcohol use in general. In particular, there has been little exploration of how Māori, those indigenous to Aotearoa/New Zealand, contextualise and understand their alcohol use. To build on current understandings of Māori alcohol use, this study explored the broader and socially shared meanings of alcohol use from the perspectives of older Māori.

METHODS: Hui (meeting/s) were held with five kaupapa whānau (groups with a common purpose) comprising older Māori (n = 19) who shared their perspectives on Māori alcohol use. Data were analysed using a master/counter discursive narrative analytical framework.

RESULTS: The results show that older Māori drew on a number of discursive strategies to construct three cultural narratives of Māori alcohol use. These were: 'Not all Māori are problem drinkers', 'There is good Māori alcohol use', and 'Alcohol is not the problem'. These narratives simultaneously supported and challenged the dominant narrative that problematises Māori alcohol use.

CONCLUSION: These findings can be used to inform future research to show Māori understandings of alcohol use. Such research will support the development of culturally responsive alcohol policy and health promotion initiatives aimed at addressing alcohol related issues among Māori and thereby improve Māori health and wellbeing.

Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Alcohol; Māori; Older people; Social context