Introduction

This chapter focuses on empirical and theoretical literature on mixed race from around the world; the introduction situates the experiences of mixedness in New Zealand in a global context, teasing out historical and structural similarities and differences. It discusses key debates around terminology, looking at the distinctions and overlapsbetween concepts of race and ethnicity, mixed race and mixed ethnicity. The chapter explains how each contributes to the discourse around mixed race and ethnicity in New Zealand, bringing in key discussions around indigeneity, migration, national identity and belonging. It provides synthesis of key aspects around mixed race in New Zealand, revealing the diverse ways in which mixed race is experienced and understood, and how this contributes to theoretical understandings of mixed race globally. The chapter illustrates diversity in terminology, which equally varies by discipline. It also presents an overview of the key concepts discussed in this book.