An exploration into the ways in which multi-generational Samoan households contribute to the development of societal and collective values about Aiga / families in contemporary New Zealand / Aotearoa/Niu Sila

Abstract

This autobiographical/collective biographical research examines the ways that the multigenerational (m/g) household contributes to the development of societal and collective values around Samoan aiga in Aotearoa/New Zealand. There are several global trends impacting on Aotearoa/New Zealand. These trends include but are not exclusive to the housing shortage, an ageing population coupled with longer life expectancies, and the on-going impact of the global recession. Multigenerational households are the norm in collective societies such as traditional Samoan society, in Aotearoa the multigenerational household is an anomaly. Policy design does not necessarily include the multigenerational household during the inception process of policy relating to aiga. Through the exclusion of the multigenerational household in the consideration of policy the strengths and potential that the multigenerational households have to offer Aotearoa are not fully explored or supported. The research explored whether Samoan participants felt that living in the multigenerational household in Aotearoa is a valuable experience and how they felt that their life realities are received by peers and colleagues as a positive life experience. What was found is that attitude towards the living situation had a profound impact with regards to how the individual assessed their experience within the multigenerational household, even though in some cases upon reflection participants felt that they enjoyed many advantages in the multigenerational household that are no longer available to them. Through this autobiographical/collective biographical research project narratives and life stories were shared discussing such issues as shared parenting and child care, transference of knowledge such as culture, religion, spirituality and parenting skills. Through the narratives/biographies of the participants it was found that there is potential within the multigenerational household that if supported can possibly provide services that currently fall upon the State.