The Pacific Research Paradigm: Opportunities and challenges

Abstract

Around the world, favourable social and political circumstances have encouraged the development of academically non-traditional ways of researching. This article explores the recent proliferation of research approaches from Pacific and Pasifika communities which, in some Australian and New Zealand contexts, are attracting increased interest from policymakers and researchers. We present a socio-historical account of how the Pacific research paradigm emerged and some key contemporary Pacific research approaches within this paradigm. We then critique aspects of the paradigm's development by discussing opportunities and challenges. Our main argument is for researcher reflexivity and dialogue, important for the development and sustainability of research inspired by Pacific ways of knowing and being. We believe this will lead to research in which Pacific communities will recognise themselves and their aspirations for the future.

The characteristics of behaviour change interventions used among Pacific people: a systematic search and narrative synthesis

“…The nurturing of these relationships creates a space where talanoa or social conversations can take place, holistically intermingling the knowledge, experiences and emotions, shared between researchers and participants [72]. Talanoa constitutes a culturally appropriate method which Pacific researchers have primarily used to engage with Pacific communities [34,16].…”

“…language, ethnicity, BCT, facilitating education sessions) effectively enhancing social support and promoting positive behaviour change outcomes. Building capacity among Pacific communities to self-determine their research aspirations is essential for community-led and owned research [34,70,71].…”

“…Pacific led programmes reflect the importance of relational rather than individualistic relationships among Pacific people. The significance of relationships can be understood using the Samoan concept of 'teu le va', which is premised heavily on the relational contexts between people, things and the environment, as well as the nurturing and protection of mutually respectful relationships over individual agendas [15,34,35]. The culturally located concept of 'va' (relationships) cannot be measured and is not inherently visible within western frameworks.…”

Walking between worlds: Critical reflections on navigating and negotiating change for Pacific within secondary schools in Aotearoa

“…In using Pacific research methods and models, we often turn to imagery or practice embedded in Pacific cultures and ways of being in order to help us grapple with, or give life to, our thinking (Naepi, 2016;Sanga & Reynolds, 2017;Tualaulelei & McFall-McCaffery, 2019). For Cook Islands people, the tivaevae is one such image that we turn to in order to reflect.…”

Setting sail and returning home. Research voyaging in Aotearoa

“…We followed the path made by many colleagues who have used metaphor and storytelling to explain how they have conceptualised and navigated different knowledge environments. [2][3][4][5] In the academic sphere, these stories are often referred to as a 'model' or 'framework' so we have used the latter for clarity here. While the creation of new models is open to critique, 2 we believe that in our relatively youthful research arenas there is still space for new story-telling that allows value to be ascribed to multiple perspectives, and brings affirmation, contrast or extension to existing ones.…”