Abstract:
This article demonstrates how a contemporary research methodology is weaved with a Pasifika research methodology. Lalanga-Tongan for weaving-blends two methodologies: the traditional Tongan Kakala framework and contemporary Constructionist Grounded Theory. Lalanga guided a research project that investigated the perspectives on family planning and fertility of 12 Tongan women, aged 16 to 45 years old, residing in South Auckland, New Zealand. Weaving the two methodologies strengthened the cultural cohesiveness of the research for the Tongan women, beyond what each methodology could achieve alone. This article illustrates use of this culturally safe approach to mixed-method qualitative research involving Pacific people.
