Among her works are
Money and Marriage (1989) and
Invisible Money: Family Finances in the Electronic Economy (1999), which explored the control and allocation of money within households. Her research on
domestic violence, particularly through her book
Private Violence and Public Policy (1985), brought her recognition at the national and international levels, including invitations to participate in Expert Group Meetings conferences organized by the
United Nations and the
World Health Organization. Beyond academia, Pahl has been a leading figure in community engagement. She helped to revive the
Canterbury Society in 2009, aiming to improve the quality of life in
Canterbury through
historic preservation, green space protection, and sustainable urban development. She served as Chair of the Society for ten years and now acts as its Vice President, supporting its committee and civic initiatives. She has participated in local community campaigns, including a project involving research on poverty that led to initiatives related to food access and social security benefits. She has also been involved in a campaign concerning Old Park, an area noted for its wildlife and historical significance, which has been the subject of proposed development. Her ongoing work reflects a sustained commitment to inclusive cities and the well-being of local communities, aligning with international goals such as the UN's
Sustainable Development Goal 1 on eliminating poverty and Target 5.2 on eliminating violence against women and girls. == Selected publications ==