The guiding logics and principles for designing emergent transdisciplinary research processes: learning experiences and reflections from a transdisciplinary urban case study in Enkanini informal settlement, South Africa

The guiding logics and principles for designing emergent transdisciplinary research processes: learning experiences and reflections from a transdisciplinary urban case study in Enkanini informal settlement, South Africa

Author(s): Van Breda, J., Swilling, M.
Link to CST author(s): Prof. Mark Swilling, Dr. John van Breda
Publication: Sustainability Science
Year: 2018
Full reference: van Breda, J. & Swilling, M. Sustain Sci (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11625-018-0606-x
Download publication https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs11625-018-0606-x

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Summary

Transdisciplinarity is not a new science per se, but a new methodology for doing science with society. A particular challenge in doing science with society is the engagement with non-academic actors to enable joint problem formulation, analysis and transformation. How this is achieved differs between contexts. The premise of this paper is that transdisciplinary research (TDR) methodologies designed for developed world contexts cannot merely be replicated and transferred to developing world contexts. Thus a new approach is needed for conducting TDR in contexts characterised by high levels of complexity, conflict and social fluidity.