Reconceptualizing Responses to Bullying Through Participatory Action Research in a Pakistani American Community

• In Event: Participatory Action Research: Transformative Learning Through Community Engagement and Agency

Abstract

Research on bullying has emphasized psychological, individualistic approaches that often do not engage communities and the families that are affected (Bajaj, Ghaffar-Kucher & Desai, 2016). Participatory Action Research (PAR) can serve as a productive space of community engagement. This study collaboratively investigated the intersections of education, sociolinguistics, and community in a Pakistani-American community, and then applied that knowledge to enact social-justice initiatives. The research found a disconnect between parents’ perceptions of bullying and their children’s experiences. Community-based researchers then designed multilingual workshops that promoted effective family communication. This project highlights the critical role of embedding multilingualism into the research process that is afforded by participatory methods.

Authors

• Tasha Lyn Darbes, Pace University

• Puja Shah, Pace University