POLS231: PUBLIC POLICY: AN INTRODUCTION
1370043
Who runs New Zealand? Explain the nature of political power with reference to theories of the
state.
Department of Politics
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WORD COUNT: 1794
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POLS231: PUBLIC POLICY: AN INTRODUCTION
1370043
Who runs New Zealand? Explain the nature of political power with reference to theories of the
state.
There are many debates as to who is in charge in a political context. However in doing so, one
must make sure to look at theories of the state to properly analyse how it is they influence the
running of a nation. For the basis of this discussion, the following will look at definitions of the
state based on economic reforms and the theories associated with such. However, it will also make
reference to New Zealand politics in reference to theories based off feminist thought and the
assertions that they make which will help determine who runs New Zealand.
It seems, based on observations and general knowledge, that in a global sense we most definitely
live in a patriarchal society where male domination is a given. However in New Zealand politics
over the past few decades, there has been a slow increase in the amount of women who have been
given higher powered authoritative positions. This is a notion that is suggestive of the idea that
theories of patriarchy are no longer the only ones that are influencing the state and therefore it is
pivotal to take into consideration the role of feminism on the state and in turn in determining who
is in charge.
In defining the state in New Zealand, one may look to Shaun Goldfinch and his article entitled,
The State. Goldfinch largely discusses the state and how state theories were used to implement
economic thought. Seeing as the economy is important not only in a political context but in a
societal one, it seems pertinent that theories associated with economic reforms would be beneficial
in a discussion on who runs New Zealand and the role of the state.
Goldfinch states that,
“New Zealand policy revolution was highly influenced by neo-liberal and related neoclassical economic thought
and the conceptions of the state these theories contain.”1
1
Goldfinch, Shaun. "The State." New Zealand government and politics. Ed. Miller. 3rd ed. South Melbourne: Oxford University
Press, 2003. 552
POLS231: PUBLIC POLICY: AN INTRODUCTION
1370043
Who runs New Zealand? Explain the nature of political power with reference to theories of the
state.
The influences from these theories are seen in various forms. The ideal of “the state as being of
questionable legitimacy” is seen in the certain things that are asserted by various influential
members of government e.g. the Treasury and interest groups (Business Roundtable).2
Goldfinch suggests that it is possible to see the influence of the neo-liberal theory of the state in
the public sector reforms. The privatisation is said to reflect public choice theory, an influence that
Goldfinch asserts is seen in the way that the elite presents itself to interest groups.3
In following with the public choice theory idea, it is said that,
“neo-liberal theory and public choice theory seem to be influential on the content of the reforms and on the
reconfiguration of the role of the state.”4
One could conclude from this that these two theories help with the running of New Zealand as it is
the reforms that influence how it is we develop as a society. Also, this idea of elitist behaviour is
also prevalent in the notion that these so called political elites were “important in driving Radical
reforms that have led to the reduction and reconfiguration of the size and role of the state.”5
Another ideal which helps with the aforementioned notion of these theories and those associated
with them being beneficial and therefore important to the running of a country.
In discussing theories of the state, one can look at Nicola Armstrong for pointers on how feminist
theories are pertinent to politics. In Handling the Hydra: Feminist Analyses of the State,
Armstrong discusses feminism in the Liberal, Radical, Marxist and Socialist form. It is from her
argument that we can place attributes of feminist theories in a discussion on who runs New
Zealand. This is so done by analysing her theories on state assumptions and applying them to what
we already know about New Zealand in a political context and the way politics is reflected back
into society.
2
Goldfinch, Shaun. "The State." New Zealand government and politics. Ed. Miller. 3rd ed. South Melbourne: Oxford University
Press, 2003. 552
3 Ibid. 553.
4 Ibid. 553.
5 Ibid. 553.
POLS231: PUBLIC POLICY: AN INTRODUCTION
1370043
Who runs New Zealand? Explain the nature of political power with reference to theories of the
state.
In reference to Liberal feminist theories of the state, Armstrong looks at the notion of authoritative
power. This is to say that she refers to the state as a, “legitimate authority for enforcing justice and
acting as an arbiter between...economic and political conflicts.”6 It is also asserted that this form of
state feminist theory is suggestive of the notion that there is a substantial absence of women in
higher paid/authoritative roles in politics. Therefore, it is not possible under this type of rule for
the state to be seen as neutral until women are effectively positioned in these ‘high class’ roles.
Based on this discussion of Liberal feminist rule, one can make its own assertions on whether or
not this theory is pertinent to the running of New Zealand. It seems that New Zealand politics
definitely showcases aspects of Liberal theory in the sense that it is an authoritative state. Aspects
of it however are not as pertinent as the used to be. This is due to the significant increase of
women in politics over the past few decades. A notion that is evident in the fact New Zealand has
had two female Prime ministers; both are events which significantly tilted the gender balance in
favour of neutrality in politics.
Radical feminists on the other hand view the state as an institution founded on patriarchal ideals.
This is to say that Armstrong suggests its main purpose is to utilise its power so that it may
legitimise its own authority.7 From a feminist perspective, it is suggested that women are severely
oppressed under this form of state as power is used to expand the interest of males while it
oppresses women’s attempts at making laws and implementing legal procedures.8
From this, one can suggest that it is not a true representation of New Zealand in both a political
and societal context. The main reason for this is that there is a sense of equality in the way policies
are made and in turn implemented. This is to say that politics in New Zealand takes into
consideration that impact that some policies will have on women when they are clearly servicing a
6
Armstrong, Nicola. "Handling the Hydra: feminist analyses of the state." Feminist voices: women's studies texts for Aotearoa/New
Zealand. Ed. Rosemary Du Plessis and Phillida Bunkle. Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1992. 226.
7 Ibid. 229.
8
Ibid. 231.
POLS231: PUBLIC POLICY: AN INTRODUCTION
1370043
Who runs New Zealand? Explain the nature of political power with reference to theories of the
state.
male agenda. However in suggesting this, it is important to say that when the roles are reversed
and women are implementing policies, they also make note of the impact it will have on males
while still trying to service a female agenda. Therefore based on these assertions, it is clear to
suggest that New Zealand does not implement a Radical feminist view of the state and in turn,
New Zealand is not run by leaders who are only of Radical feminist thought.
Armstrong also references Marxist feminist theories of the state. It is from this type of theory that
one gains basis for an economic discussion. This is to say that this form of state theory is
formulated on the idea that the state is used as a part of a capitalist agenda. She asserts that under a
Marxist state, politics revolves around “further[ing] capitalists and class interests...[in] privileged
sectors of society.”9
While the economy is indeed an important factor in the development and in turn running of a
nation, it doesn’t seem like this Marxist theory is pertinent in helping determine the theories which
are more prevalent in New Zealand politics. A capitalist agenda is important in helping maintain a
country but it does not seem that New Zealand utilises aspects of Marxism to help it thrive. This is
clear in the fact that New Zealand does not have a large elitist society in which a Marxist state
would spend its time servicing. Based on observation, one could suggest that New Zealand is
largely a middle-to-lower class society, a notion that accentuates the idea that Marxism is not
prevalent in the way that New Zealand is run politically. However, it is important to note that
issues of Armstrong’s Marxism argument can be crossed with Goldfinch’s discussion on public
choice theory. This is due to the notion that public choice theory commonly corresponds with
9
Armstrong, Nicola. "Handling the Hydra: feminist analyses of the state." Feminist voices: women's studies texts for Aotearoa/New
Zealand. Ed. Rosemary Du Plessis and Phillida Bunkle. Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1992. 231.
POLS231: PUBLIC POLICY: AN INTRODUCTION
1370043
Who runs New Zealand? Explain the nature of political power with reference to theories of the
state.
issues associated with public choice theory as it is largely the study of economics in political
situations.10
The final feminist analysis of the state is reflective of a socialist view. This is something that
loosely reflects Radical feminist thought in the sense that it is also based on the assumption that
the state is purely patriarchal. Armstrong states that a social feminist state is seen as being “akin to
a smoothly running machine serviced by patriarchy.”11 .
As mentioned when discussing Radical theories, the socialist theory does not seem relevant to
New Zealand as it seems that as a nation, we are not overly patriarchal. While it is naive to suggest
that there will ever be a time where society is free of the ties associated with patriarchy, it is
relevant to suggest that New Zealand has a political system which is well balanced in the sense
that there is a sufficient amount of women politicians and policies that are based on rights for
women, a notion that decreases the patriarchal legitimacy. However in stating this, it is important
to note that there New Zealand is not a neutral political society at present but it does showcase
aspects of equality in its representation of both genders in all sectors of society.
There are many theories that one can attribute to the running of New Zealand. However it seems
that Liberal theories presented by both Armstrong and the economic neoliberal theory put forth by
Goldfinch are extremely more pertinent to New Zealand politics. Based on the aforementioned
information, it can be concluded that New Zealand is run by Liberal thinkers. This is to say that
the political stance of New Zealand is not as patriarchal as Radical thought suggests and not as
economically motivated as Marxist theories suggest. Therefore it is legitimate to suggest that New
Zealand services a Liberal thought based off the theories and definitions bought forward by
feminist ideals.
10
Hindmoor, Andrew. "Public Choice." The state: theories and issues. Ed. C Hay et al. Basingtoke, Hampshire: Palgrave
MacMillian, 2006. 81.
11
Armstrong, Nicola. "Handling the Hydra: feminist analyses of the state." Feminist voices: women's studies texts for
Aotearoa/New Zealand. Ed. Rosemary Du Plessis and Phillida Bunkle. Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1992. 233.
POLS231: PUBLIC POLICY: AN INTRODUCTION
1370043
Who runs New Zealand? Explain the nature of political power with reference to theories of the
state.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. Armstrong, Nicola. "Handling the Hydra: feminist analyses of the state." Feminist voices:
women's studies texts for Aotearoa/New Zealand. Ed. Rosemary Du Plessis and Phillida
Bunkle. Auckland: Oxford University Press, 1992. 226-233.
2. Goldfinch, Shaun. "The State." New Zealand government and politics. Ed. Miller. 3rd ed.
South Melbourne: Oxford University Press, 2003. 552-53.
3. Hindmoor, Andrew. "Public Choice." The state: theories and issues. Ed. C Hay et al.
Basingtoke, Hampshire: Palgrave MacMillian, 2006. 81.