Episode 1: Exploring The Role of Theory in Interdisciplinarity

In this episode we lay the groundwork for our exploration of interdisciplinarity. We delve into various definitions and perspectives, recognizing the multifaceted nature of this concept. 

Transcript

Hello everyone, and welcome to the very first episode of MAIS Perspectives! I'm thrilled to embark on this journey with all of you as we dive into the exciting world of the role of theory in interdisciplinary studies. Whether you're a seasoned scholar or new to the field, I hope you'll find our discussions both enlightening and engaging.

 First off, a warm welcome to our INDS 500 learning community! I hope you're all settling in nicely and exploring the various resources available to you on our Moodle page. I’m looking forward to reading all of the rich conversations that will emerge across the various unit forums, in our virtual discussion circles and of course emerging from your assignments. Speaking of assignments, this week you will finish and submit your first assignment. I will have these marked and returned to you as soon as I can, so keep an eye out for feedback.

 At the beginning of each week, I'll be releasing a new episode of the MAIS  Perspectives podcast. In each episode I’ll share some of my reflections on the unit resources and try to provide you with some foundational insights to support your explorations of the course material. Some weeks are going to be heavier and more challenging than others, and some readings may be more of a slog to get through than others. We’re going to be learning a lot of new language and perspectives on our learning journey together.  So remember to do your best and don’t worry if some of the readings feel like they are written in Klingon! Together we’re going to build the universal interdisciplinary theory translator.

 Alright! Let’s get started….

 In unit 1 we are laying the groundwork for our exploration of interdisciplinarity. We delve into various definitions and perspectives, recognizing the multifaceted nature of this concept. So whether you're working solo or as part of a team, the key is to understand the nuances of interdisciplinarity and how they shape our research endeavors.

 But before we can fully grasp interdisciplinarity, it's essential to understand what disciplines are and how they differ from fields of study or branches of knowledge.

 Disciplines provide frameworks for learning and scholarly inquiry, shaping both our academic pursuits and institutional structures. By recognizing the strengths and limitations of disciplines, we can navigate the complexities of interdisciplinary research more effectively.

 In the context of higher education a discipline is typically understood as a branch of learning that provides a framework for a student's program of study and results in some form of orderly behavior recognized as characteristic of the discipline.

A disciplinary affiliation can also shape how we interact with an institution and even influence the structure of higher education itself. The strength of discipline’s influence on organizational structure can vary depending on the type of institution. And while disciplines share a respect for knowledge and intellectual inquiry, their differences can be vast and even lead to fragmentation.

 Scholars in different disciplines have different styles of presentation, preferred approaches to investigation, and respond to inquiries and concerns differently. Communication structures, reward and stratification systems, and mechanisms for social control also vary between disciplines. And there are even variations amongst the same discipline at the individual scholar, departmental, and university level. If you want to learn more about this idea check out Marietta Del Favero’s article “Disciplines and the Structure of Higher Education, Discipline Classification Systems, Discipline Differences”. There’s a link to this in the show notes.

 It is important to have this basic understanding of the role of disciplines and their fragmentation in post-secondary education because it helps us understand the many debates about inter-, cross-, multi-, and transdisciplinarity. These discussions are not merely "academic;" they are often motivated by competition for scarce resources and by the need to ensure that a graduate in a particular area of study is well-versed in the scholarly and tangible applications of a curriculum.

 One of the highlights of Unit 1 is the exploration of  interdisciplinary theoretical research frameworks. CohenMiller & Pate (2019) offer valuable insights into the development of these frameworks, outlining a five-step process for their creation.

 The first step is to identify a research topic or question that purposively cuts across disciplines;

Then you need to identify the specific concepts and constructs within that interdisciplinary research topic or question.

In the third step you begin to use these concepts and constructs as guides, identifying and choosing specific disciplines and keeping them in focus as they relate the first two steps.

In the fourth step you use the concepts and constructs as guides to identify theories appropriate for addressing the research topic or question within the disciplines you’ve identified in step three. You may use internet searches or even search in one of your favourite articles for a specific theory. And remember in this step theories and disciplines are kept distinct and in focus!

For the last step you begin to clarify and define the key terminology within the theories and across the disciplines as a shared language. It is at this step that theories and disciplines become less distinct and more blurred.

This process not only helps us understand the role of theory in our research but also lays the groundwork for Assignment 2!

 Let's say our research topic is "The Impact of Climate Change on Mental Health." This topic cuts across disciplines such as environmental science, psychology, public health, and sociology.

 Within our interdisciplinary research topic, we can identify concepts and constructs such as "climate change," "mental health," "resilience," "adaptation strategies," and "vulnerable populations."

 Now, we use these concepts and constructs to select specific disciplines relevant to our research. We focus on environmental science for understanding climate change dynamics, psychology for studying mental health impacts, public health for exploring intervention strategies, and sociology for examining societal responses and disparities.

 Using our chosen disciplines, we now identify theories appropriate for addressing our research topic. For example, in psychology, we might look into stress theory or coping mechanisms theory to understand how individuals respond to climate-induced stressors. In environmental science, we might explore systems theory to analyze the interconnectedness of environmental factors contributing to mental health impacts.

 Finally, we clarify and define key terminology within the chosen theories and across disciplines to establish a shared language. This step involves integrating concepts and constructs from different disciplines, blurring the boundaries between theories and disciplines. For instance, we might define "resilience" as the ability of individuals, communities, and ecosystems to adapt and thrive in the face of climate-related challenges, drawing on insights from both psychology and environmental science.

 By following these five steps, we've effectively navigated the interdisciplinary nature of our research topic, integrating concepts and theories from multiple disciplines to gain a comprehensive understanding of the impact of climate change on mental health.

 In this unit we also delve into the nuances of transdisciplinarity, exploring its various definitions and applications. From addressing practical challenges to integrating diverse forms of knowledge, transdisciplinarity offers a holistic approach to complex issues. Additionally, we begin to explore the concept of intersectionality, recognizing the interconnected nature of individual experiences and identities.

 Transdisciplinarity should be understood as  a type of interdisciplinary research which involves stakeholders from outside the university. But this is a contested definition. Another common understanding of transdisciplinarity proposes that it is the unified, systematic approach integrating many different types of knowledge.

 Evans (2014), for example, describes transdisciplinarity as the integration of knowledge into a meaningful whole, often characterized by denigration and repudiation of disciplines and disciplinary work as fragmented and incomplete. And while disciplinary activities focus on theoretical understanding, transdisciplinary projects prioritize practical results. He provides the context of an Ebola outbreak in western Africa, where a transdisciplinary approach included a range of disciplines spanning the liberal arts, engineering and technology, and even the fine arts. This kind of approach was useful for addressing theoretical questions about the unity of knowledge, as well as answering practical questions related to sustainability and keeping Ebola out of the region once the pandemic was addressed.

 Similarly, in her TEDx Talk, Stephanie Walsh Matthews, discusses the importance of interdisciplinary work in addressing complex social issues. She argues that many of the problems facing society today, such as climate change and inequality, cannot be solved by any one discipline alone, but require collaboration and integration across multiple fields. Matthews draws on her own experiences as an artist and scholar, who combines visual arts, performance, and feminist theory to explore issues of gender and identity. She emphasizes that interdisciplinary work involves recognizing and embracing the unique perspectives and contributions of different disciplines, and creating new ways of thinking and working that go beyond traditional disciplinary boundaries. Ultimately, Matthews encourages individuals and institutions to embrace interdisciplinary approaches as a means of addressing the complex challenges facing society and creating positive change.

 In the last five years especially, interdisciplinarity has been linked to intersectionality, which refers to the ways in which our individual life circumstances are affected by a multitude of vectors, including but not limited to class, religion, family status, gender identity, sex, sexual orientation, immigration status, ethnicity, skin color, ability status.

 Kimberlé Crenshaw is credited with introducing the term "intersectionality" in the 1990s to describe the experiences of African American women in the United States. In her 2016 TED Talk, Crenshaw, discusses the concept of intersectionality and its importance in understanding and addressing social inequality. Crenshaw explains that intersectionality is the recognition that individuals belong to multiple marginalized groups, such as race, gender, and sexual orientation, and that these intersecting identities create unique experiences of discrimination and oppression. She argues that an intersectional approach is necessary to address the complex and interlocking systems of inequality that exist in our society.

 Crenshaw also emphasizes the urgency of intersectionality in the current political climate, where some groups are being targeted for their multiple marginalized identities. Ultimately, she encourages individuals and institutions to adopt an intersectional lens to better understand and work towards social justice. To fully understand intersectionality, one must keep in mind that this concept shouldn't be used to build a hierarchy of oppression. We must look for contextual understandings. We will further explore this line of thought as we move through the course, but it's a good starting point!

 As I wrap up this episode, I want to remind you that I'm here to support you every step of the way. Whether you have questions, concerns, or simply want to connect, don't hesitate to reach out. Together, we'll navigate the exciting journey of interdisciplinary studies and uncover new insights along the way. 

Thank you all for joining me on this first episode of MAIS Perspectives! I'm looking forward to our continued exploration of interdisciplinary topics in the weeks to come. Until next time, take care and keep embracing the interdisciplinary spirit!