Sociology: Homosexuality and Maori

Sociology is the study of human social activity from lower level of individuals and interaction to the higher level of systems and social structures. Sociology scope is extremely broad, it includes various topics focused on contemporary social issues such as the studies of colonisation, class, ethnicity, gender and environmental problems (Gregor and McLennan 2010). Two of these topics which sociologists are interested in are the conflicts relating to ethnicity and anti-homosexuality. These differences in ethnicity and gender lead to social inequalities and social identities. This essay will summarise the key points of the two readings: “Are we all New Zealanders now? A Maori response to the Pakeha quest for indigeneity (Mikaere 2004)” and “Queerying Masculinities in School: Faggots, fairies and the first XV (Town 1999)”. This essay will also critically examine various ideas from different writers in compromising with my own experiences and understanding in order to engage in-depth with these two articles.
Word count: Introduction 146 words
The first reading examines the three most important issues regarding the relationship between Pakeha and Maori. These are Pakeha’s claim for indigeneity; Maori’s response on the Pakeha’s quest of indigeneity; and a key solution for a better world for both Maori and Pakeha. Firstly, Mikaere analyses some recent and previous statements by Pakeha including Michael King, Trevor Mallard and Don Brash who argue indigeneity for all New Zealanders. These writers all claimed that New Zealand settlers (include Pakeha) should have the right to be here and pakeha should also be seen as the second indigenous group as equal as Maori in New Zealand no matter where they were originally from, how long they have stayed here and what ethnicity, class or religions they belong to. For example, Trevor argues that indigeneity is about to diversify the ways in which we belong and identify with our countries. These are Chinese, Indian and European New