At the faultline of disciplinary boundaries: Emigrating from physics to Ma¯ori studies

Abstract

What does a physics-educated scholar bring to a field such as Ma¯ori Studies? How does a physicist become Ma¯ori? To discuss this, I examine my experiences as a researcher and teacher in physics and Ma¯ori studies. I comment upon the different worldviews and languages used in each discipline, and the difference in outlook this produces among students. I present examples of my teaching and research that draws upon the two knowledge systems. I interrogate my experience of negotiating disciplinary boundaries by assessing the degree of hazard involved in the border crossings (Aikenhead and Jegede 1999) and speculate throughout on the identity-ladenness of this endeavour.