Personality development in traditional Maori society and the impact of modernization

This paper is an attempt to integrate the available research, clinical data and literary information concerning the developmental experiences of the New Zealand Maori. The Maori developmental pattern in the traditional society is compared with that of the Caucasian, mostly Anglo-Saxon, New Zealander (Pakeha), highlighting the contrasting elements while at the same time accommodating considerable overlap between the two postulated developmental patterns. The Maori personality development is seen as being characterized by an indulgent and permissive infancy, a withdrawal of this succorance during childhood, which is characterized by prominent peer-orientation, and a reintegration into adult society during adolescence with gradual maturation of social roles subsequently. The disruption of this pattern as a result of urbanization and Westernization is discussed, along with its adverse consequences. The recent initiatives by the Maori community to preserve the old traditions take the developmental issues into consideration, and although it is too early to judge their success or otherwise, they look quite promising.