Interdisciplinarity and boundary work challenges

Authors: C Clare Hinrichs

Publish Date: 2008/01/22

Volume: 25, Issue: 2, Pages: 209-213

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Abstract

Despite its vigor agrifood studies research faces two fault lines the durability of disciplines and challenges in engaging nonacademic stakeholders In this essay I use the concept of boundary work from social studies of science and technology to reflect on the challenges and opportunities for more engaged interdisciplinary research in agrifood studies I draw on recent field visits to several “sustainable food chain” research projects funded through the Rural Economy and Land Use Programme RELU an innovative interdisciplinary research initiative of the UK Research Councils to highlight the contradictory nature of boundary work in interdisciplinary research Involving efforts both to bridge interfaces and to separate exclude and manage other disciplines or stakeholders boundary work is inherent to interdisciplinarity Innovations in the organizational culture of projects and in the larger structural context for research can multiply the more generative potential of boundary work and also yield more and better interdisciplinary research in agrifood studiesComments from those who read an earlier longer version of this paper presented at the 2007 annual meeting of the Rural Sociological Society in Santa Clara California provided thoughtful guidance for moving toward the present essay I especially appreciate the support of an ESRC/SSRC Visiting Fellowship with the UK’s Rural Economy and Land Use Programme which has stimulated and deepened my thinking on interdisciplinarity

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