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Women’s Leadership as a Symbolic Act of Reproduction: A Case Study in the Solomon Islands A thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in the Faculty of Education at The University of Waikato by SUSANNE GASEPELO MAEZAMA 2016 Abstract Literature on women’s leadership over the last three decades suggests that women’s leadership perspectives have been predominantly influenced by either Euro-centric patriarchal views or those of women in economically developed countries. These are significantly different from an economically developing Pacific Island like the Solomon Islands, in particular, its Santa Isabel Island. The literature, therefore, overlooks the impacts women’s indigenous culture may have in order to understand their leadership beliefs and practices. Bourdieu (1977b) argues that people’s practices are embodied within their cultures, forming habitus through their past and present experiences, both consciously and unconsciously. I argue that women leaders’ leadership beliefs and practices cannot be fully understood without considering these social and cultural norms operating in their specific cultures. My thesis explores the impact of the Santa Isabel matrilineal culture on women’s formed leadership beliefs and practices. The main research question therefore is: How do women leaders’ leadership beliefs and practices form in the Santa Isabel matrilineal culture? Sub questions arising from this are: 1. In what ways does the Santa Isabel matrilineal culture influence women leaders’ beliefs and practices? 2. To what extent does the Santa Isabel matrilineal culture contribute to the formation of women leaders’ cultural leadership beliefs and practices? 3. How do women leaders practice leadership in the Santa Isabel matrilineal culture? My research was undertaken using a case study methodology, linked with Bourdieu’s (1977b) habitus as a lens for exploring women leaders’ leadership practices in Santa Isabel in the Solomon Islands context through using interviews, informal observations and focus groups. The findings were generated through Bourdieu’s (1977b) habitus theory for capturing an in-depth understanding of how women leaders’ leadership beliefs and practices were formed. Key findings demonstrated that women leaders’ leadership beliefs and practices were influenced by their matrilineal culture and early learning experiences in Santa Isabel. The study also revealed that these women leaders used leadership practices appropriate ii for their context. As a result, they formed leadership beliefs and practices that demonstrated a symbolic act of reproduction of their cultural habitus that reflected their existing leadership thinking. The study has contributed to the research field by recognising the impact of cultural embodiment, the habitus and social reproduction of the Santa Isabel matrilineal culture on women’s leadership beliefs and practices. It fills a critical gap in understanding women’s leadership as a symbolic act of reproduction of their cultural beliefs and practices which has been overlooked in women’s leadership literature. iii Acknowledgements There are a number of individuals, groups and institutions that I am indebted to, whose direct support has enabled me to pursue and complete my doctoral studies. I thank God the Almighty for his continuous guidance throughout the course of my four years of doctoral studies. My genuine appreciation and sincere gratitude to my chief supervisor, Dr. Noeline Wright and second supervisor, Associate Professor Rachel McNae, whose professional and dedicated support and guidance have not only motivated me to complete this thesis but, more importantly, to develop a deeper understanding of qualitative research methodology and processes, and my research topic. I would also like to acknowledge professional advice I received from Jane Strachan and Beverley Bell. My sincere appreciation goes to Hanai, Daina, Elena, Joska, Me’a, Iona, Guri, Anika, Te’e and Haidu, who generously offered their time to eagerly share their understanding and experiences through interview conversations and informal observations I conducted in this study. Tagio hutu puala tamiu gamu gougovu. I would like to thank educational institutions, authorities and village communities in the Solomon Islands for giving me permission to access institutions and villages under their care. I am grateful to the Solomon Islands Government, through the Ministry of Education and Human Resources Development for granting me with a research permit to conduct research in the Solomon Islands. I would like to thank the New Zealand Vice Chancellor’s Committee and NZAID for financially supporting my study through the Commonwealth Scholarship Award. I would not have achieved my academic aspirations of obtaining a doctoral degree without their help. I would like to thank the University of Waikato (UOW) for giving me the opportunity to study in New Zealand. My sincere gratitude to the UOW library, Postgraduate and International Student offices for their guidance, advice and support. I would like to acknowledge the support of my professional colleagues at the iv UOW, Faculty of Education, Postgraduate students’ office, in particular Sangion Tiu, Aminath Adam and Ai Pham for their words of encouragement, care and moral support from time to time. I would like to acknowledge the understanding and support of my immediate family members. To my husband, Selu Maezama; I am so grateful for your unconditional moral support and unwavering love throughout this journey. I look back to the many sacrifices you have been through in giving me this opportunity to pursue my academic aspirations. I would also like to thank my children Olive Meazama- Talasasa, Moqala Maezama and Tjamiwa Maezama, my son-in law Randy Talasasa and daughter-in law Winnie Ashley for their understanding and moral support. I am also grateful for the addition of Lyanne Talasasa, Tjarryd Maezama and Charlize Maezama to the family; you have brought much joy and happiness that added faith, hope and motivation to my journey. I am also grateful to the Solomon Islands Community and Waikato Students Association for their moral support. Without their care and support living and studying away from home would not have been possible. Thank you: Jennifer Marten, Rosemilly Teaheniu, Castro Teaheniu, Dinna Teaheniu, Seinitago Teaheniu, Lavinia Mahit, Rayans Helehahimae, Emmanuel Pitakaka, Lionel Bazu and Eziekiel Talatau for your love and care. I dedicate this thesis to my maternal great, great grandmother, grandmother and mother of the Koramata Posamoggo tribe whose legacies have lived on within me to engage in a process of remembering and exploring the traditional leadership roles of women in the Santa Isabel matrilineal culture. My beloved family; my parents who have gone to be with the Lord. My husband, daughter and sons for all your love, support and sacrifices throughout this long journey. v Table of contents Abstract .................................................................................................................... ii Acknowledgements ................................................................................................. iv Table of contents ..................................................................................................... vi List of Figures ......................................................................................................... xi List of Tables .......................................................................................................... xii Chapter One: Introduction ........................................................................................ 1 Personal Experience Leading to this Research .................................................... 1 My education .................................................................................................... 3 My career .......................................................................................................... 4 My research interest ............................................................................................. 6 Background of Women’s Leadership ................................................................... 7 Overarching Research Aim .................................................................................. 8 Research Questions .............................................................................................. 8 Thesis organisation ............................................................................................... 9 Chapter Two: Research Context ............................................................................ 12 Santa Isabel Island .............................................................................................