Pacific Research Workshop: Towards A Pacific Research AgendaMSD Social Policy Research and Evaluation Conference Wellington Convention Centre. 29 – 30 April, 2003

Researching in Partnership:Utilising Fa’asamoa and Western Research Frameworks in Fieldwork in Aotearoa/New

Zealand

Ieti Lima, Candidate for PhD, Department of Sociology, University of Auckland. Email: i.lima@auckland.ac.nz

(Acknowledgement: This presentation has benefited from research funding through a PhD Research Fellowship from the HRC, and an ALAC Postgraduate Travel Grant to do PhD fieldwork in Samoa)

Fa’asamoa

The Samoan Way Traditional knowledge & epistemology Samoan social organisations (e.g. extended families)

Fa’amatai (chiefly system) ‘Aiga (descent group) Fa’alavelave (important cultural events) Fa’aaloalo (respect) Dignity (mamalu)

Questions of Research methods and cultural consideration

What methods and models may be more culturally appropriate for Pacific research?

Are there particular research methods more appropriate for Pacific people than others?*Pacific peoples in NZ not homogeneous

*Samoan people not homogeneous*Varied research contexts

How can Pacific research grow, and be enhanced?

Some Methodological Considerations

Appropriate Pacific cultural protocols and processesSome Pacific people and communities are ‘sick’ of being researched so:

• Build and nurture relationships with all Pacific Island communities

• Invest time and resources to establish rapport with research participants

• Treat all Pacific communities and participants courteously and with respect

• Use Appropriate Samoan/Pacific languages where necessary • Samoan and other pacific cultures value:

-generosity and reciprocity-respect and dignity-recognition and courtesy

Research with Pacific peoples

Need for Research frameworks and methodologies that are responsive to Pacific communities’ needs and aspirations

Need to grow capacity and capabilities of Pacific researchers

Use Pacific languages when doing research with Pacific communities

Pacific research in New Zealand should be Pacific- or ethnic-specific, where necessary

Need for understanding and ‘goodwill’ within government bureaucracies towards Pacific research

Need for ‘real action not tokenism’

Western Research Framework

‘Western ways’ dominant Western knowledge & epistemology Western methodologies

MSD Pacific Strategy

Need for Pacific Research Framework and Guidelines in MSD Pacific Strategy

• Need for input from Pacific communities in planning, implementation, and development of Pacific research

• Need for co-operation and sharing of research processes and information between MSD and other government sectors

Some Ethical Considerations Avoid ambiguities and misunderstanding of

concepts and terminologies*E.g.: What is health in a Pacific context? Does health

mean well-being or wellness?*Consult with MPIA and/or community representatives for

clarification if needed Provide appropriate meaalofa

*Samoan and other pacific customs value generosity and reciprocity

Ensure research findings are disseminated to participants*Some Pacific people are ‘sick’ of being researched

Future strategies

Incorporate elements of fa’asamoa/Pacific cultural values relevant to, and appropriate in development of MSD’s future research frameworks and guidelines

Provide scholarships for Pacific students/staff in areas of social research, policy analysis, social work, etc., to grow MSD Pacific workforce and Pacific researcher capacity

Encourage intersectoral collaborations within government and non-government agencies on research with Pacific people

Incorporate long-term (10-year) Research Plan within the MSD Pacific Strategy, to ensure continuity of current momentum for Pacific research