John van Breda | Stellenbosch University (original) (raw)

Papers by John van Breda

International Journal of Sustainable Development Research

Methodological agility refers to a new meta-level research strategy of switching between mono-, m... more Methodological agility refers to a new meta-level research strategy of switching between mono-, multi-, inter-and trans-disciplinarity when facing the global societal challenges in the context of the Anthropocene today. When imagined in complexity terms as a polycrisis-consisting of multiple interconnected planetary crises-the Anthropocene cannot be approached in terms of any one of the said four methodologies only. This is so for two important reasons: firstly, there is not just one dominant crisis to which all the other crises can be reduced, and, secondly, not all the planetary crises we are facing today are necessarily complex problems. Some challenges are indeed complex; others complicated; still others chaotic. As a caveat, this new research strategy of methodological agility employs the construct of synergic methods, which is related to but different from synergistic or using methods synergistically in the mixed methods sense of the word when referring to the practice of using many different methods reciprocally. Herein, synergic is taken to mean a one-to-many relationship of using single methods for achieving multiple epistemological ends simultaneously. By combining some of the main features of action research and narrative theory, narrative action research (NAR) is presented in this paper as an example of how a particular synergic method can be used in transformative transdisciplinary processes (TTDR) for co-producing systems, target, and transformation knowledge-epistemologically speaking three very different kinds of knowledge each with their own (internal) logics, principles, practices, and research questions (epistemic objects).

By submitting this dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained... more By submitting this dissertation electronically, I declare that the entirety of the work contained therein is my own, original work, that I am the sole author thereof (save to the extent explicitly otherwise stated), that reproduction and publication thereof by Stellenbosch University will not infringe any third party rights; and that I have not previously in its entirety or in part submitted it for obtaining any qualification.

Climate Policy, 2021

Calls for transformative adaptation to climate change require attention to the type of capacity b... more Calls for transformative adaptation to climate change require attention to the type of capacity building that can support it. Community-level capacity building can help to ensure ownership and legitimacy of longer-term interventions. Given that marginalized communities are highly vulnerable to climate risk, it is important to build their capacity to adapt locally and to integrate their perspectives into higherlevel adaptation measures. Current adaptation policy does not pay sufficient attention to this. Using a Cape Town-based project on water governance in lowincome urban settlements, this paper explores how a transdisciplinary research project supported capacity building. Our findings suggest that knowledge cocreation at the community level is central to the capacity building that is needed in order to inform transformative adaptation. The collaborative methodology used is also important; we illustrate how a transdisciplinary approach can contribute to transformative adaptation where knowledge is co-produced to empower community-level actors and organizations to assert their perspectives with greater confidence and legitimacy. We argue that if capacity building processes shift from the top-down transferal of existing knowledge to the co-creation of contextual understandings, they have the potential to deliver more transformative adaptation. By considering diverse sources of knowledge and knowledge systems, capacity building can start to confront inequalities and shift dominant power dynamics. Adaptation policy could provide more guidance and support for community-level transdisciplinary processes that can enable this type of transformative adaptation. Key policy insights. To address equity and justice issues as well as climate risk, adaptation policy needs to better support transformative adaptation.. Community-level capacity building, called for by developing countries, will benefit from more attention to bottom-up approaches as a complement to top-down ones.. Community-led research that draws on a diversity of knowledge systems can effectively inform the development of transformative adaptation interventions.. Transdisciplinary research methods present a promising pedagogical approach to building transformative adaptation capacity.. Adaptation policy for capacity building would benefit from a broader understanding of governance that includes local participation and values bottom-up contributions.. A priority for capacity building is getting previously excluded actors a spot at the negotiating table as well as skills to substantiate their arguments.

Journal of Cleaner Production, 2013

Inter-and transdisciplinarity is an essential research approach to address complex sustainability... more Inter-and transdisciplinarity is an essential research approach to address complex sustainability problems from a "science with society" perspective instead of the traditional approach of "science for society". We describe the specific challenges of integrating the principles of inter-and transdisciplinarity into doctoral studies using the example of two structured doctoral programs on sustainability in Europe (Austria) and Africa (South Africa). We compare the institutional setup, the management structure, the definition of the thematic focus areas and the student selection process. An important aspect is the design of a study program to introduce students to the core concepts and principles of inter-and transdisciplinary research and to prepare them for the empirical practice. Regular exchange between students and supervisors forms the basis for the development of a shared research culture. We conclude that critical issues for success are support by the university leadership, safeguarding of long-term funding, development of appropriate supervisory capacity and integration into existing academic structures and administrative processes.

Publikationsansicht. 32340533. The impossibility of historical change in the thought of Louis Alt... more Publikationsansicht. 32340533. The impossibility of historical change in the thought of Louis Althusser : a critical comparison of the epistemologies and social theories of Louis Althusser and Jurgen Habermas / [microform] (1985). Van Breda, John. Abstract. ...

International Journal of Water Resources Development

Cape Town's water injustices are entrenched by the mismatch between government interventions and ... more Cape Town's water injustices are entrenched by the mismatch between government interventions and the lived realities in many informal settlements and other low-income areas. This transdisciplinary study draws on over 300 stories from such communities, showing overwhelming frustration with the municipality's inability to address leaking pipes, faulty bills and poor sanitation. Cape Town's interventions typically rely on technical solutions that tend to ignore or even exacerbate the complex social problems on the ground. Water justice requires attention be paid to the range of everyday realities that exist in the spectrum from formal to informal settlements.

Sustainability Science

Transdisciplinarity is not a new science per se, but a new methodology for doing science with soc... more 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. To that end, this paper introduces a new approach to TDR titled emergent transdisciplinary design research (ETDR). A core element of this approach is that the research process is designed as it unfolds, that is, it transforms as it emerges from and within the fluid context. The ETDR outlined in this paper emerged through a case study in the informal settlement (slum) of Enkanini in Stellenbosch, South Africa. This case study demonstrates the context from and within which the ETDR approach and identifies a set of guiding logics that can be used to guide ETDR approaches in other contexts. The study demonstrates that the new logics and guiding principles were not simply derived from the TDR literature, but rather emerged from constant interacting dynamics between theory and practice. Learning how to co-design the research process through co-producing transformative knowledge and then implementing strategic interventions to bring about incremental social change is key to theory development in ways that are informed by local contextual dynamics. There are, however, risks when undertaking such TDR processes such as under-valuing disciplinary knowledge, transferring risks onto a society, and suppressing 'truth-to-power'.

Abstract: The motivating reason for having organised the workshop was born out of a deep realizat... more Abstract: The motivating reason for having organised the workshop was born out of a deep realization and acceptance of the fact that our current specialised and hyper-specialised disciplinary knowledge systems have created an epistemological 'tower of Babel', a fragmented situation from ...

Sustainability Science, 2016

A promising approach for addressing sustainability problems is to recognize the unique conditions... more A promising approach for addressing sustainability problems is to recognize the unique conditions of a particular place, such as problem features and solution capabilities, and adopt and adapt solutions developed at other places around the world. Therefore, research and teaching in international networks becomes critical, as it allows for accelerating learning by sharing problem understandings, successful solutions, and important contextual considerations. This article identifies eight distinct types of research and teaching collaborations in international networks that can support such accelerated learning. The four research types are, with increasing intensity of collaboration: (1) solution adoption; (2) solution consultation; (3) joint research on different problems; and (4) joint research on similar problems. The four teaching types are, with increasing intensity of collaboration: (1) adopted course; (2) course with visiting faculty; (3) joint course with traveling faculty; and (4) joint course with traveling students. The typology is illustrated by extending existing research and teaching projects on urban sustainability in the International Network of Programs in Sustainability, with partner universities from Europe, North America, Asia, and Africa. The article concludes with challenges and strategies for extending individual projects into collaborations in international networks.

International Journal of Sustainability in Higher Education, 2016

Purpose: This paper aims at improving the understanding of individual transdisciplinary PhD resea... more Purpose: This paper aims at improving the understanding of individual transdisciplinary PhD research in a developing country context, focusing on three individual PhD case studies in South Africa. Design/methodology/approach: The multiple-case method was used, and three completed transdisciplinary PhD research efforts undertaken at Stellenbosch University were selected. They were coordinated through the TsamaHub 1 , an inter-faculty platform at the University which organises educational modules for transdisciplinary research. Using actual research experiences and reflections of the three individual PhDs, the paper evaluates their work in terms of ontological, epistemological, methodological and methodical/methods aspects. Findings: The central challenge to individual PhD researchers is engagement with non-academic actors to enable joint problem formulation, analysis and transformation. To overcome this, the paper suggests that developing individual epistemic relationships to build 'transdisciplinary epistemic communities' should be considered for inclusion as an intentional aspect of transdisciplinary research design. Research limitations/implications: 'Transdisciplinary epistemic communities' is still a concept in its infancy and needs more work before it may be theoretically and practically useful. Practical implications: Continuously guiding the individual transdisciplinary research process in a reflexive, recursive, transparent and equal manner is absolutely critical, because transdisciplinary research cannot be done successfully if dominated by overly methods-driven approaches. Originality/value: The discourse around transdisciplinary methodology has major implications for the design of individual PhD research. The paper provides recommendations to enhance the theory and practice of individual transdisciplinary PhD research.