Identity, belonging and place attachment amongst Pacific Island children: a photographic analysis

Abstract

This paper explores the intersection between place, culture and identity as evidenced through photographic narratives of Pacific Island children, based in Samoa and a diasporic community in New Zealand. The study was undertaken with 71 children aged 6–14 in Samoa (35) and New Zealand (36). A Talanoa/fa’afaletui (conversation-based) Pacific research approach was used to analyse 1285 children’s photos of ‘things that matter to them’. Most photos showed multiple layers of meaning (e.g. sensory, love, pride, memory). Plants were most frequently featured in Samoan children’s photos and family in New Zealand. Through the photos and conversations, children articulate dynamic and multi-layered connections to place, identity and belonging. For diasporic children, their Island of origin is central to their identity and articulated through cultural, family and community connections. An adapted place attachment model is proposed to help better understand children’s place attachment, sense of belonging and their Pacific Island identity.