%T Cultural Identity and Everyday Life among Elderly Dutch New Zealanders
%D 2012
%L theses_frw2512
%X This thesis discusses how the everyday life of elderly Dutch immigrants in New Zealand is influenced by their Dutch background. Drawing on qualitative research (in-depth interviews, participant observation and photography), it appeared that the respondents in this study culturally identify in a hybrid way. Identifying themselves differently from both Dutch in the Netherlands and New Zealanders, they can be regarded as being ‘in-between’ cultures.
Moreover, I argued that cultural identities are produced through everyday practices, which are important signifiers of expressing hybrid cultural identities. Such practices include social relations, social activities, language use, home decoration, individual recreational activities, food consumption and the celebration of national holidays and flag waving. Memories of the past were of particular importance in such practices. Drawing on Hall (1995), I concluded that the respondents are simultaneously the same as and different from both Dutch and New Zealanders. They are Dutch New Zealanders.
%A Jinko A. Rots