Maori Socio-Economic Disparity

The current closing of the gaps debate focuses on differences in ethnic population averages and largely ignores intra-group differences. This paper argues that reported Maori ethnicity is often multiple rather than singular, evolving rather than primordial, and fluid rather than rigid. Intra-group differences are examined and found to be large. Averages alone are misleading in describing socio-economic outcomes and can give rise to incorrect stereotypes of ethnic groups as successes or failures. This paper raises questions about whether the linkage between ethnicity and outcomes is causal in any simple sense. Various explanations of disparity and the possible policy responses are canvassed. In terms of the gaps policy, the paper draws attention to the disproportionate sub-cultural disadvantage experienced by those who identify only as Maori, who have no educational qualifications, and who live outside the major urban centres.