How gambling harms experienced by Pacific people in New Zealand amplify when they are culture-related

Abstract

Pacific people in New Zealand are a minority ethnic population identified in national prevalence studies as having the highest risk of developing gambling problems. As earlier studies identified some links between culture and gambling for this population, our study aimed to deepen understanding of these links and their role in explaining the disproportionate gambling harms experienced by Pacific people. To achieve this aim we employed intersectionality as a theoretical framework to explore the culture-gambling intersection for this population group. We analysed data from a subset of focus groups conducted for a broad study of gambling harms in New Zealand. The subset was selected based on the presence of individuals knowledgeable about Pacific people’s gambling behaviours, including staff from Pacific problem gambling treatment services who provided examples from a cultural perspective. We identified themes at a latent level via an interpretive process to identify underlying cultural contexts of gambling harms. Findings indicated that whilst harms experienced by Pacific people were similar to those identified amongst the general population, the cultural contexts in which some harms manifested were complex. This paper contributes to the existing knowledge base about gambling harms for Pacific people in relation to six culture-gambling intersecting themes that emerged from the data: collectivism, gift-giving, gambling-based fundraising, patriarchy, beliefs about blessings, and sports celebrities. Findings are discussed in relation to the current knowledge of gambling and conceptualisations of gambling harm within Pacific communities. Implications for culturally appropriate harm minimisation strategies and prevention interventions for this population are suggested.

Is there a health inequality in gambling related harms? A systematic review

“…Twelve studies include data on culture and five of these discuss Australia and New Zealand [ 48 , 71 – 74 ]. The included studies largely focus on single groups or comparing indigenous people and migrants to a society, so there are significant gaps that future studies may address.…”

“…Kolandai-Matchett et al [ 74 ] found that Pacific New Zealand people experienced similar gambling harms to other populations. However, the context of collectivist cultural values meant that additional harm dimensions were present, such as a loss of belonging or isolation, shame, loss of the community’s respect, disruption of trusting relationships, transference of communal responsibilities, and an overall loss of social cohesion.…”

Women and gambling-related harm: a narrative literature review and implications for research, policy, and practice

“…For example, Hagen et al (2013) discussed the role in which aboriginal women’s experiences of trauma contributed to their experiences of gambling harm, citing an “irresistible pull” towards gambling as a way to escape and cope with problems (p. 366) [63]. Similarly, Māori and Pacific women in New Zealand have been found to disproportionately experience harm from gambling, compared with European women [66, 67]. Research from Morrison (2014) suggests that Māori women experience significant negative effects from EGM gambling; however, these women often only describe the positives of gambling, such as the increased social connections that are not often available to Māori women [66].…”

Is There a Health Inequality in Gambling Related Harms? A Systematic Review

“…Kolandai-Matchett et al (2017) found that Pacific New Zealand people experienced gambling through collectivist cultural values, meaning that additional harm dimensions were present. Some of the listed cultural harms include a loss of belonging or isolation, shame; loss of the community’s respect; disruption of trusting relationships; transference of communal responsibilities; and an overall loss of social cohesion.…”