The focus of this research is to develop a process-relational approach to studying transformations, with a focus on complex relations between crisis and transformative change.
Case study
Transdisciplinary sustainability science projects aiming to foster food system transformations in the Global North.
Aim
First, I aim to articulate a strong process-relational approach to studying transformations and explore what new insights can be developed by such an approach. Second, I aim to explore how transdisciplinary sustainability science projects experience, cope with and change with conditions of crisis. Finally, I aim to investigate how this understanding can inform action, by asking how we can act under conditions of crisis in ways that better foster transformative change?
Theoretical Framework
The starting point is at the level of metatheory. By ‘strong’ process-relational approach, I mean adopting a strong process ontology with strong performativity of relations, because this can most clearly demonstrate the difference with more conventional essentialist research approaches. This must be an ethico-onto-epistemological framework. I will develop an approach by weaving together insights from authors such as Karen Barad and Donna Haraway, who are grounded in philosophy and feminist science studies.
The substantive theoretical frameworks, which are about exactly how crisis and transformation are entangled in food systems, will be developed from the empirical data and analysis.
Methodological Approach
I will make use of multiple data sources and methods, including relational approaches to interviewing, document analysis, process tracing, and participant observation.
