Men and Masqueraders : cross-gendered identity and behaviour in New Zealand, 1906-1950

Abstract

This thesis contributes to the study of New Zealand historiography and gender historiography by examining female-to-male cross-gender identity and behaviour between 1906 and 1950. The primary source material is New Zealand media, specifically the New Zealand Truth newspaper. Sexological theories of the early twentieth century create a framework for reflection on language and ideas present in the New Zealand media. I will show, using both Foucauldian and feminist discourse analysis, the complex and discontinuous history of cross-gender identity and behaviour in New Zealand.