How researchers shape the construction of landscape change – insights from a scenario study. (17th November 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Knierim, Andrea; Bieling, Claudia; Zander, Peter
• Is Part Of: Landscape research. Volume 46:Number 8(2021)
• Page Start: 1057
• Page End: 1070
• Publication Date: 2021-11-17
• Subjects: Interdisciplinary research -- team cooperation -- landscape concept -- power -- co-production of knowledge; Landscape -- Periodicals; Land use -- Planning -- Periodicals; 719.05
• DOI: 10.1080/01426397.2021.1940116
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0142-6397

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Studying landscape change has taken on increased importance, for instance, in the context of enhancing the sustainable intensification of agricultural production. As sustainability-oriented landscape research necessitates inter- and transdisciplinary approaches, the influence that researchers exert through constructing and applying conceptual bases and methods merits particular attention. We address this issue with a multifaceted understanding of power, and apply three analytical lenses to the example of a regional, landscape-related scenario study. We found that without an interdisciplinary framework that fosters integration and explicit cooperation procedures, researchers exert individual 'power to' by adhering to well-known disciplinary methods. Also, we observed a mobilisation of 'power with' through a certain level of transdisciplinary cooperation. We recommend a rigorous specification and application of joint conceptual bases, their disclosure and an ongoing reflection on inter- and transdisciplinary cooperation procedures to ensure the transparency of researchers' influence in studies on landscape change.