Influential Factors Shaping Social Science Research About Pacific Peoples

Abstract

This research identifies the influential factors that shape social science research about Pacific peoples and explores what counts as legitimate knowledge about Pacific peoples in Aotearoa New Zealand. The production and control of knowledge is associated with power and social science research produces knowledge about Pacific peoples that influences policy decisions. The question of what knowledge is, is critically connected with the questions of who decides what knowledge is and how knowledge is selected. The design of this research included a literature review that examined what types of knowledge are legitimated and what is taken into consideration when making these decisions. A case study of one of two Pacific Health Research Centres (PHRCs) in Aotearoa New Zealand and interviews with Pacific researchers involved with the PHRCs, provides data for this thesis. While traditional Pacific knowledges, concepts, and models still appeal, a growing number of people are building on these so they can be applied in the modern world. There are also growing numbers of Aotearoa New Zealand-born Pacific researchers with little or no knowledge of what these traditional concepts or models mean. This dilemma is discussed. In the same way that Pacific-based people are deconstructing and re-imagining themselves it is time for Aotearoa New Zealand-based Pacific researchers to create a space where dialogue about Pacific research and knowledge can take place. Conclusions about how this might happen are drawn.