Norma R . A . Romm | University of South Africa (original) (raw)

Papers by Norma R . A . Romm

Systemic practice and action research, May 1, 2024

This article is structured around my locating a lacuna in the (mainstream) literature describing ... more This article is structured around my locating a lacuna in the (mainstream) literature describing the history of the field of "systems thinking". I investigate how dominant accounts of this history do not include an account of the contributions of Indigenous sages and scholars' systemic thinking. Such thinking (and being) is grounded in a relational ontoepistemology and attendant axiology-where knowing is consciously tied to (re)generating reciprocal relations with others-human and more-than-human-as we enact worlds-inthe making. The argument is that at the moment of "knowing/inquiring" we co-constitute with other agents (and not only human ones) the worlds that are brought forth. Otherwise expressed, there are never spectators, only participants in ongoing world-construction. I explore the way of explaining this as proffered by authors from a variety of geographical contexts as a backdrop to indicating how Indigenous critical systemic thinking has not been catered for by those writing the history of the so-called "systems community". This is despite many Indigenous scholars self-naming their understandings as being systemic. I indicate that exploring global superwicked problems from the standpoint of an Indigenous onto-epistemology includes pointing to, and experimenting further with, radically different options for thinking-and-being than those that thus far have been storied by those writing the history of systems thinking. I indicate why it is important to take seriously this approach, rather than drowning its contribution.

Journal of systems thinking, 2023

The Methodologies of Positivism and Marxism, 1991

Responsible Research Practice: Revisiting Transformative Paradigm for Social Research , 2018

In this book I revisit the transformative paradigm and provide detail on its links with an Indige... more In this book I revisit the transformative paradigm and provide detail on its links with an Indigenous paradigm as well as its porous borders with other paradigms. I discuss examples of responsible research practice - where I delve into and expand upon what renders the research responsible. The book was endorsed by Donna Mertens (see p. v of the book) and has had many favorable reviews since then.

Systemic Practice and Action Research

This article is structured around my locating a lacuna in the (mainstream) literature describing ... more This article is structured around my locating a lacuna in the (mainstream) literature describing the history of the field of "systems thinking". I investigate how dominant accounts of this history do not include an account of the contributions of Indigenous sages and scholars' systemic thinking. Such thinking (and being) is grounded in a relational ontoepistemology and attendant axiology-where knowing is consciously tied to (re)generating reciprocal relations with others-human and more-than-human-as we enact worlds-inthe making. The argument is that at the moment of "knowing/inquiring" we co-constitute with other agents (and not only human ones) the worlds that are brought forth. Otherwise expressed, there are never spectators, only participants in ongoing world-construction. I explore the way of explaining this as proffered by authors from a variety of geographical contexts as a backdrop to indicating how Indigenous critical systemic thinking has not been catered for by those writing the history of the so-called "systems community". This is despite many Indigenous scholars self-naming their understandings as being systemic. I indicate that exploring global superwicked problems from the standpoint of an Indigenous onto-epistemology includes pointing to, and experimenting further with, radically different options for thinking-and-being than those that thus far have been storied by those writing the history of systems thinking. I indicate why it is important to take seriously this approach, rather than drowning its contribution.

Springer eBooks, 2018

The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this p... more The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

This chapter sets out to show how the realist theory of science, as elucidated in Chapter 4, has ... more This chapter sets out to show how the realist theory of science, as elucidated in Chapter 4, has become espoused as a methodological option within the sociological tradition. It indicates how the methodological principles which were explored with reference to Keat’s argument in Chapter 4 have become advanced in (some of) the sociological literature. The literature which is referred to is clearly not meant to offer a portrayal of all of the proponents of a realist position within sociology. The aim is rather to portray how certain authors have elucidated the necessity for the adoption of this kind of methodological stance.

This chapter offers an outline of the influence of the Marxist nonrealist stance in sociology. It... more This chapter offers an outline of the influence of the Marxist nonrealist stance in sociology. It attempts to show how the methodological principles elucidated in Chapter 6 (with reference to the arguments of Habermas) have become incorporated within the discipline of sociology. The chapter parallels the structure of Chapter 5, where the presence of a Marxist realist stance within sociology was discussed. However, in this case, the presence of a Marxist nonrealism within sociology is indicated.

Springer eBooks, 2018

This chapter discusses two examples of research in which I was involved, both of which made use o... more This chapter discusses two examples of research in which I was involved, both of which made use of questionnaires and follow-up focus groups in the quest to explore/regenerate certain aspects of inclusive education. The first project was an international one comprising of six countries, namely, China, Finland, Lithuania, Slovenia, South Africa and the United Kingdom and was aimed at organizing a comparative analysis of teachers’ roles in inclusive education. The team facilitating the focus groups in South Africa (Norma Nel, Dan Tlale and myself) twisted the original research remit to expressly include “intervention”, which evolved also in response to expectations expressed by participants in focus group sessions in a number of schools in Atteridgeville. The second project was a national one (aimed at improving prospects for underperforming schools in South Africa). It was designed from the start to include intervention as part of the research remit. This was built into the project through a number of mechanisms aimed at stimulating creative reviewing of the notion of underperformance, while locating, with participants and stakeholders, leverage for improvements.

Kluwer Academic Publishers eBooks, Feb 27, 2006

Springer eBooks, 2010

She has written over 85 articles in journals and in edited volumes on issues such as education (i... more She has written over 85 articles in journals and in edited volumes on issues such as education (including adult education), social development, social theorizing in relation to development, the facilitation of co-learning in group processes, discursive accountability, systemic inquiry, and considerations of racism as a world problem. xvii

Springer eBooks, 2018

In this chapter I consider, with a focus on researcher responsibilities, two examples of research... more In this chapter I consider, with a focus on researcher responsibilities, two examples of research which involved experimentation as a research procedure (Stephens in Investigating effects of Six Thinking Hats and emotional intelligence training on creativity thinking and emotional intelligence of recidivists in Lagos State, 2012; Oczak and Niedźwienska in J Empirical Res Hum Res Ethics 2(3):49–59, 2007). In the first example, the research was aimed at trying to ascertain whether interventions which consisted of creativity training and emotional intelligence training for recidivists in Nigerian prisons (Lagos) had an effect on the creative thinking scores and emotional intelligence scores of participants. I draw out and extrapolate from Stephens’ exposition the responsibility that he assumed, while also encouraging the responsibility of the recidivists to try to activate a potential for learning, while appreciating the limited life chances of prisoners before and after entering the prison system. I move on to discuss Oczak and Niedźwienska’s research—in which they offer an experiment to ascertain how their proposed new debriefing procedure following a deceptive experiment was received by the research participants. I explain how their debriefing was designed in an effort to generate beneficial and educative effects for participants (and others engaging with the research); and I underscore the importance of their eliciting participants’ experiences of the research procedure as part of their study.

Throughout this book I have forwarded suggestions for those involved in research endeavors to res... more Throughout this book I have forwarded suggestions for those involved in research endeavors to responsibly take into consideration the immersion of the research in the “becoming” of social and ecological existence (of which it is a part). I now suggest that when researchers post facto generate methodological stories around how the design of the research became ongoingly accomplished, these responsibilities should be foregrounded, with ethical considerations concerning the exercise of responsibility and co-responsibility included in the storying. Instead of focusing on trying to label research work with respect to designs as given in the (much cited) literature on strategies of inquiry, I propose that the doing, and writing up, of research should become differently geared. That is, we should pay attention to practices of active involvement with others (as selves-in-relation) in trying to exercise (co)-responsibility for the future-forming potential of research. I suggest that to highlight the quality of such activity, the word “active” can preface the labels commonly used to characterise research designs.

Springer eBooks, Aug 27, 2007

The argument advanced in this chapter draws on elements of critical modernist as well as postmode... more The argument advanced in this chapter draws on elements of critical modernist as well as postmodernist views on the impact of “knowledge” in the social world and develops an ethic of responsibility that focuses on the notion of self-critical choice-making. The argument is that all too often proponents of (theoretical) approaches do not problematize as an issue of concern their

Contemporary systems thinking, 2019

Intersectional interventions are needed to match and address the needs of the marginalised in soc... more Intersectional interventions are needed to match and address the needs of the marginalised in social life. Our focus is on the voiceless as they become displaced and vulnerable as a result of losing habitat or homes. We begin with some deliberations by Janet in which she summarises her conceptual background to this argument and then explains the importance of practising research to address social and ecological justice. This is followed by her creation of a hypothetical vignette which serves to illustrate options for systemic intervention. We conclude the paper and draw together key points made in the book. Norma engages with Janet’s vignette and explanation of ways to expand pragmatism by thinking through the consequences of our choices. A key message for the conclusion and the two volume series is the importance of combining approaches in response to areas of concern. Norma suggests ways of ‘stretching’ different paradigmatic/philosophical bases for doing research responsibly to address complex issues, including ways of practising multiple and mixed methods research that focus on a transformative agenda.

Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks, 1991

In this chapter an attempt is made to indicate the major tenets of the positivist view of the sci... more In this chapter an attempt is made to indicate the major tenets of the positivist view of the scientific process. It is suggested that the positions of Auguste Comte and Karl Popper provide a satisfactory elucidation of the arguments of this methodological perspective. The positions of Comte and Popper respectively are thus spelled out in detail during the course of this chapter. In the next chapter it will be shown how the types of arguments as advanced by Comte and Popper are expressed in theoretical literature concerning the correct practice of sociological research. It will also be shown how many sociologists draw on these types of arguments when justifying their researches.

The four core methodological issues isolated in this book have been explored from the positions o... more The four core methodological issues isolated in this book have been explored from the positions of positivism, Marxist realism and Marxist nonrealism respectively. The discussion was divided throughout the book into the four themes in order to systematise the explanation of the various positions and to clarify the points at which they differ from one another. In keeping with the structure of the book, the controversy between the positions can be summarised as follows.

Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks, 1991

Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks, 1991

Chapters 2 and 3 of this book offered an indication of the positivist philosophy of science and i... more Chapters 2 and 3 of this book offered an indication of the positivist philosophy of science and its incorporation into the sociological tradition. It was noted how this philosophy appears in an array of literature aimed at elucidating the nature of sociology as a science. And it was also noted how much research practice in sociology (explicitly or implicitly) draws on the principles of this philosophy. However it was pointed out that, while positivism is an entrenched methodological perspective within sociology, it is not the only operative perspective. Other philosophies of science and attendant modes of research practice can be found within the sociological tradition. This chapter is aimed at offering an indication of one of these alternatives — which will be called ‘Marxist realism’.

Springer eBooks, 2018

In this chapter I develop further my discussions of generative theorizing as introduced in earlie... more In this chapter I develop further my discussions of generative theorizing as introduced in earlier chapters and I explore in more depth what responsible generative theorizing might amount to. I link this to a discussion around the use of retroductive logic, which I argue (combined in some way with deduction and induction) offers a way of organizing inferences which include imaginative leaps and which can, in accordance with generative theorizing, be consciously forward looking. I suggest that a kind of retroductive logic is being invoked when inquirers/co-inquirers create inferences which admittedly do not relate in any direct logical way to “empirical evidence”, but which make sense of interpreted evidence/experience in ways which are in turn inspiring of constructive action. I indicate that such a mode of inference therefore can become a resource for generative theorizing, which is consciously geared to being future forming. I offer examples of this by drawing on the detailed discussions which I introduced in earlier chapters. I also highlight (and draw out) associations between retroduction and Indigenous arguments regarding the importance of grounding knowledge generation (as a social practice) in an appreciation of our connectedness with others and with all that exists.

Systemic practice and action research, May 1, 2024

This article is structured around my locating a lacuna in the (mainstream) literature describing ... more This article is structured around my locating a lacuna in the (mainstream) literature describing the history of the field of "systems thinking". I investigate how dominant accounts of this history do not include an account of the contributions of Indigenous sages and scholars' systemic thinking. Such thinking (and being) is grounded in a relational ontoepistemology and attendant axiology-where knowing is consciously tied to (re)generating reciprocal relations with others-human and more-than-human-as we enact worlds-inthe making. The argument is that at the moment of "knowing/inquiring" we co-constitute with other agents (and not only human ones) the worlds that are brought forth. Otherwise expressed, there are never spectators, only participants in ongoing world-construction. I explore the way of explaining this as proffered by authors from a variety of geographical contexts as a backdrop to indicating how Indigenous critical systemic thinking has not been catered for by those writing the history of the so-called "systems community". This is despite many Indigenous scholars self-naming their understandings as being systemic. I indicate that exploring global superwicked problems from the standpoint of an Indigenous onto-epistemology includes pointing to, and experimenting further with, radically different options for thinking-and-being than those that thus far have been storied by those writing the history of systems thinking. I indicate why it is important to take seriously this approach, rather than drowning its contribution.

Journal of systems thinking, 2023

The Methodologies of Positivism and Marxism, 1991

Responsible Research Practice: Revisiting Transformative Paradigm for Social Research , 2018

In this book I revisit the transformative paradigm and provide detail on its links with an Indige... more In this book I revisit the transformative paradigm and provide detail on its links with an Indigenous paradigm as well as its porous borders with other paradigms. I discuss examples of responsible research practice - where I delve into and expand upon what renders the research responsible. The book was endorsed by Donna Mertens (see p. v of the book) and has had many favorable reviews since then.

Systemic Practice and Action Research

This article is structured around my locating a lacuna in the (mainstream) literature describing ... more This article is structured around my locating a lacuna in the (mainstream) literature describing the history of the field of "systems thinking". I investigate how dominant accounts of this history do not include an account of the contributions of Indigenous sages and scholars' systemic thinking. Such thinking (and being) is grounded in a relational ontoepistemology and attendant axiology-where knowing is consciously tied to (re)generating reciprocal relations with others-human and more-than-human-as we enact worlds-inthe making. The argument is that at the moment of "knowing/inquiring" we co-constitute with other agents (and not only human ones) the worlds that are brought forth. Otherwise expressed, there are never spectators, only participants in ongoing world-construction. I explore the way of explaining this as proffered by authors from a variety of geographical contexts as a backdrop to indicating how Indigenous critical systemic thinking has not been catered for by those writing the history of the so-called "systems community". This is despite many Indigenous scholars self-naming their understandings as being systemic. I indicate that exploring global superwicked problems from the standpoint of an Indigenous onto-epistemology includes pointing to, and experimenting further with, radically different options for thinking-and-being than those that thus far have been storied by those writing the history of systems thinking. I indicate why it is important to take seriously this approach, rather than drowning its contribution.

Springer eBooks, 2018

The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this p... more The use of general descriptive names, registered names, trademarks, service marks, etc. in this publication does not imply, even in the absence of a specific statement, that such names are exempt from the relevant protective laws and regulations and therefore free for general use. The publisher, the authors and the editors are safe to assume that the advice and information in this book are believed to be true and accurate at the date of publication. Neither the publisher nor the authors or the editors give a warranty, express or implied, with respect to the material contained herein or for any errors or omissions that may have been made. The publisher remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

This chapter sets out to show how the realist theory of science, as elucidated in Chapter 4, has ... more This chapter sets out to show how the realist theory of science, as elucidated in Chapter 4, has become espoused as a methodological option within the sociological tradition. It indicates how the methodological principles which were explored with reference to Keat’s argument in Chapter 4 have become advanced in (some of) the sociological literature. The literature which is referred to is clearly not meant to offer a portrayal of all of the proponents of a realist position within sociology. The aim is rather to portray how certain authors have elucidated the necessity for the adoption of this kind of methodological stance.

This chapter offers an outline of the influence of the Marxist nonrealist stance in sociology. It... more This chapter offers an outline of the influence of the Marxist nonrealist stance in sociology. It attempts to show how the methodological principles elucidated in Chapter 6 (with reference to the arguments of Habermas) have become incorporated within the discipline of sociology. The chapter parallels the structure of Chapter 5, where the presence of a Marxist realist stance within sociology was discussed. However, in this case, the presence of a Marxist nonrealism within sociology is indicated.

Springer eBooks, 2018

This chapter discusses two examples of research in which I was involved, both of which made use o... more This chapter discusses two examples of research in which I was involved, both of which made use of questionnaires and follow-up focus groups in the quest to explore/regenerate certain aspects of inclusive education. The first project was an international one comprising of six countries, namely, China, Finland, Lithuania, Slovenia, South Africa and the United Kingdom and was aimed at organizing a comparative analysis of teachers’ roles in inclusive education. The team facilitating the focus groups in South Africa (Norma Nel, Dan Tlale and myself) twisted the original research remit to expressly include “intervention”, which evolved also in response to expectations expressed by participants in focus group sessions in a number of schools in Atteridgeville. The second project was a national one (aimed at improving prospects for underperforming schools in South Africa). It was designed from the start to include intervention as part of the research remit. This was built into the project through a number of mechanisms aimed at stimulating creative reviewing of the notion of underperformance, while locating, with participants and stakeholders, leverage for improvements.

Kluwer Academic Publishers eBooks, Feb 27, 2006

Springer eBooks, 2010

She has written over 85 articles in journals and in edited volumes on issues such as education (i... more She has written over 85 articles in journals and in edited volumes on issues such as education (including adult education), social development, social theorizing in relation to development, the facilitation of co-learning in group processes, discursive accountability, systemic inquiry, and considerations of racism as a world problem. xvii

Springer eBooks, 2018

In this chapter I consider, with a focus on researcher responsibilities, two examples of research... more In this chapter I consider, with a focus on researcher responsibilities, two examples of research which involved experimentation as a research procedure (Stephens in Investigating effects of Six Thinking Hats and emotional intelligence training on creativity thinking and emotional intelligence of recidivists in Lagos State, 2012; Oczak and Niedźwienska in J Empirical Res Hum Res Ethics 2(3):49–59, 2007). In the first example, the research was aimed at trying to ascertain whether interventions which consisted of creativity training and emotional intelligence training for recidivists in Nigerian prisons (Lagos) had an effect on the creative thinking scores and emotional intelligence scores of participants. I draw out and extrapolate from Stephens’ exposition the responsibility that he assumed, while also encouraging the responsibility of the recidivists to try to activate a potential for learning, while appreciating the limited life chances of prisoners before and after entering the prison system. I move on to discuss Oczak and Niedźwienska’s research—in which they offer an experiment to ascertain how their proposed new debriefing procedure following a deceptive experiment was received by the research participants. I explain how their debriefing was designed in an effort to generate beneficial and educative effects for participants (and others engaging with the research); and I underscore the importance of their eliciting participants’ experiences of the research procedure as part of their study.

Throughout this book I have forwarded suggestions for those involved in research endeavors to res... more Throughout this book I have forwarded suggestions for those involved in research endeavors to responsibly take into consideration the immersion of the research in the “becoming” of social and ecological existence (of which it is a part). I now suggest that when researchers post facto generate methodological stories around how the design of the research became ongoingly accomplished, these responsibilities should be foregrounded, with ethical considerations concerning the exercise of responsibility and co-responsibility included in the storying. Instead of focusing on trying to label research work with respect to designs as given in the (much cited) literature on strategies of inquiry, I propose that the doing, and writing up, of research should become differently geared. That is, we should pay attention to practices of active involvement with others (as selves-in-relation) in trying to exercise (co)-responsibility for the future-forming potential of research. I suggest that to highlight the quality of such activity, the word “active” can preface the labels commonly used to characterise research designs.

Springer eBooks, Aug 27, 2007

The argument advanced in this chapter draws on elements of critical modernist as well as postmode... more The argument advanced in this chapter draws on elements of critical modernist as well as postmodernist views on the impact of “knowledge” in the social world and develops an ethic of responsibility that focuses on the notion of self-critical choice-making. The argument is that all too often proponents of (theoretical) approaches do not problematize as an issue of concern their

Contemporary systems thinking, 2019

Intersectional interventions are needed to match and address the needs of the marginalised in soc... more Intersectional interventions are needed to match and address the needs of the marginalised in social life. Our focus is on the voiceless as they become displaced and vulnerable as a result of losing habitat or homes. We begin with some deliberations by Janet in which she summarises her conceptual background to this argument and then explains the importance of practising research to address social and ecological justice. This is followed by her creation of a hypothetical vignette which serves to illustrate options for systemic intervention. We conclude the paper and draw together key points made in the book. Norma engages with Janet’s vignette and explanation of ways to expand pragmatism by thinking through the consequences of our choices. A key message for the conclusion and the two volume series is the importance of combining approaches in response to areas of concern. Norma suggests ways of ‘stretching’ different paradigmatic/philosophical bases for doing research responsibly to address complex issues, including ways of practising multiple and mixed methods research that focus on a transformative agenda.

Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks, 1991

In this chapter an attempt is made to indicate the major tenets of the positivist view of the sci... more In this chapter an attempt is made to indicate the major tenets of the positivist view of the scientific process. It is suggested that the positions of Auguste Comte and Karl Popper provide a satisfactory elucidation of the arguments of this methodological perspective. The positions of Comte and Popper respectively are thus spelled out in detail during the course of this chapter. In the next chapter it will be shown how the types of arguments as advanced by Comte and Popper are expressed in theoretical literature concerning the correct practice of sociological research. It will also be shown how many sociologists draw on these types of arguments when justifying their researches.

The four core methodological issues isolated in this book have been explored from the positions o... more The four core methodological issues isolated in this book have been explored from the positions of positivism, Marxist realism and Marxist nonrealism respectively. The discussion was divided throughout the book into the four themes in order to systematise the explanation of the various positions and to clarify the points at which they differ from one another. In keeping with the structure of the book, the controversy between the positions can be summarised as follows.

Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks, 1991

Palgrave Macmillan UK eBooks, 1991

Chapters 2 and 3 of this book offered an indication of the positivist philosophy of science and i... more Chapters 2 and 3 of this book offered an indication of the positivist philosophy of science and its incorporation into the sociological tradition. It was noted how this philosophy appears in an array of literature aimed at elucidating the nature of sociology as a science. And it was also noted how much research practice in sociology (explicitly or implicitly) draws on the principles of this philosophy. However it was pointed out that, while positivism is an entrenched methodological perspective within sociology, it is not the only operative perspective. Other philosophies of science and attendant modes of research practice can be found within the sociological tradition. This chapter is aimed at offering an indication of one of these alternatives — which will be called ‘Marxist realism’.

Springer eBooks, 2018

In this chapter I develop further my discussions of generative theorizing as introduced in earlie... more In this chapter I develop further my discussions of generative theorizing as introduced in earlier chapters and I explore in more depth what responsible generative theorizing might amount to. I link this to a discussion around the use of retroductive logic, which I argue (combined in some way with deduction and induction) offers a way of organizing inferences which include imaginative leaps and which can, in accordance with generative theorizing, be consciously forward looking. I suggest that a kind of retroductive logic is being invoked when inquirers/co-inquirers create inferences which admittedly do not relate in any direct logical way to “empirical evidence”, but which make sense of interpreted evidence/experience in ways which are in turn inspiring of constructive action. I indicate that such a mode of inference therefore can become a resource for generative theorizing, which is consciously geared to being future forming. I offer examples of this by drawing on the detailed discussions which I introduced in earlier chapters. I also highlight (and draw out) associations between retroduction and Indigenous arguments regarding the importance of grounding knowledge generation (as a social practice) in an appreciation of our connectedness with others and with all that exists.

From Polarization to Multispecies Relationships, 2021

Abstract In this chapter I spell out various perspectives on performative research. I highlight t... more Abstract In this chapter I spell out various perspectives on performative research. I highlight that the common idea is that research should not strive to be “representational” of externally posited realities, but should take into account that it is always complicit in the unfolding of the worlds of which it is a part. I explain the advocacy of a performative idiom as a way to describe as well as to “do” research. I undertake this advocacy with reference to authors hailing from Western scholarship and from
Indigenous paradigms of scholarship. Similarly, I explain how the spirit of posthumanism as guiding the research enterprise (where human/nonhuman dualities are rendered fuzzy and where mutual shaping is considered to be at play in all our relations) also is embraced in a variety of scholarly discourses and worldviews. I point to the critiques that have been levelled against certain posthumanists for not treating
sufficiently seriously the relational perspectives as elucidated by seers and scholars from colonized social contexts; and I address the question (posed by certain authors) as to whether posthumanism can be “decolonized”. I proceed to offer examples that offer a glimpse of what might be considered as responsibly and performatively (in
forward-looking vein) researching multi-species relationality. Such research actively seeks to draw out, and bring forth, prospects for “human” engagement with “others” (admitting that they cannot be conceived in isolation) in non-instrumental terms.
Keywords Buen vivir · Eco-community · Human/non-human dualism ·
Indigenous relationality · Posthumanism · Relational existence

This chapter explores various ways of conceiving what is called mixed methods research (MMR) – mi... more This chapter explores various ways of conceiving what is called mixed methods research (MMR) – mixing quantitative and qualitative traditions. After reading this chapter, you should be able to discuss the debates around what it might mean to “mix” different methods employed in the process of doing MMR; explore the philosophical underpinnings which can be said to underlie the use of different methods in MMR; reflect on whether we should regard mixed methods research as encapsulating a different paradigm from those that are seen as traditionally underpinning quantitatively-directed or qualitatively-directed research traditions; articulate how a “third” paradigmatic stance as an underpinning for MMR can be justified; differentiate between multi-methods and MMR; describe key considerations that should inform the choice of MMR as a methodology to conduct research; outline key MMR designs; and reflect on how to conduct MMR.

Responsible Research Practice: Revisiting Transformative Paradigm for Social Research , 2018

On page v of the book Donna Mertens summarises its contribution as follows: Norma Romm provides ... more On page v of the book Donna Mertens summarises its contribution as follows:
Norma Romm provides excellent guidance through theory and practical examples for researchers who accept the challenge of working towards social, economic, and environmental justice for members of marginalized communities. She brings together the work of transformative and indigenous scholars to further understandings of the complex dynamics of contributing to positive social change through the use of innovative research strategies. The examples illustrate an emphasis on addressing social and ecological justice, along with the challenges that
researchers encounter in this type of research. This book is an excellent contribution to understanding better how researchers can be responsive to the wicked problems facing the world.
—Donna M. Mertens, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus
Gallaudet University

Responsible Research Practice, 2010

On page v of the book Donna Mertens summarises her account of its contribution as follows: Norma... more On page v of the book Donna Mertens summarises her account of its contribution as follows:
Norma Romm provides excellent guidance through theory and practical examples for researchers who accept the challenge of working towards social, economic, and environmental justice for members of marginalized communities. She brings together the work of transformative and indigenous scholars to further understandings of the complex dynamics of contributing to positive social change through the use of innovative research strategies. The examples illustrate an emphasis on addressing social and ecological justice, along with the challenges that
researchers encounter in this type of research. This book is an excellent contribution to understanding better how researchers can be responsive to the wicked problems
facing the world.
—Donna M. Mertens, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus
Gallaudet University

”If it’s not on it’s not in” *, 2006

This study, commissioned by the ILO, was undertaken by McKay & Romm with the help of 14 research ... more This study, commissioned by the ILO, was undertaken by McKay & Romm with the help of 14 research assistants/consultants. It started in August 2005 and was finalised in 2006. ( It was then created into a book by the ILO: https://www.worldcat.org/title/report-on-hivaids-in-relation-to-the-informal-sector-in-zambia/oclc/75564204.)
The research was aimed at investigating, and at the same time intervening in addressing, HIV/AIDS in relation to the informal sector in Zambia. The study was set in four geographical sites: Lusaka, Kafue, Mumbwa and Solwezi, and sampled informal workers from trades and services at those sites. The study was organised in relation to an ILO four-country study conducted in Uganda, Ghana, Tanzania and South Africa, which also examined HIV/AIDS in the informal economy in each of the four countries (McKay). From the studies that have been undertaken, it is clear that workers experience vulnerabilities that are specific to the sector, and that ways of intervening need to be tailored to this context. With this background in mind, the current Zambian ILO/UNDP study considered the way in which strategies in Zambia had thus far been directed at fighting the pandemic and whether sufficient attention has been directed at the informal sector. A four-stage methodology was used in the study (following the studies in the other four countries). The stages were:

• administration of a Knowledge, Attitude, Perception and Behaviour
questionnaire (KAPB) to a sample of 407 respondents in the informal sector from across four targeted sites, namely: Lusaka, Kafue, Mumbwa and Solwezi;
• rapid assessment workshops (with about 50 participants each) undertaken in the same areas;
• peer education, making use of a training brochure specifically developed for this purpose (by Prof McKay and Dr Morr);
• a National Workshop aimed at disseminating and discussing the research outcomes and recommendations while also specifically identifying agents/actors to carry them forward.

*Quoted from a 28-year-old female respondent/participant-expressing her potential empowerment to ... more *Quoted from a 28-year-old female respondent/participant-expressing her potential empowerment to discuss and negotiate condom usage. Acknowledgements

Journal of Awareness-Based Systems Change, 2022

This file that I have uploaded is the whole issue of Journal of Awareness-Based Systems Change (... more This file that I have uploaded is the whole issue of Journal of Awareness-Based Systems Change (2,2) with many excellent articles in it. My review of Hilary Bradbury's latest book (How to Do Action Research for Transformations at a Time of Eco-Social Crisis) is also in this issue. Here are the contents of this issue:
EDITORIAL
1 Journal of Awareness-Based Systems Change ‘In-between’: The Dwelling Place of Our Time
Oliver Koenig, Eva Pomeroy, Megan Seneque, and Otto Scharmer
INVITED ARTICLE
9 The ‘Tender Narrator’ Who Sees Beyond Time: A Framework for Trauma Integration and Healing
Thomas Hübl and Lori Shridhare
FEATURE ARTICLES
29 Mindfulness and Behavioural Insights: Reflections on the Meditative Brain, Systems Theory and Organisational Change
Rachel Lilley, Mark Whitehead, and Gerald Midgely
59 Radical Participatory Design: Awareness of Participation
Victor Udoewa
85 Our Fire Stories: Emergence Through the Circle Work-Process at the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab
Dr. John Davis and Dr. Rhonda Coopes
109 Action Research With and For Pack Mules: Transforming the Welfare of Working Equines in International Mountain Tourism
Glen Cousquer and Abdelaziz Haounti
BOOK REVIEW
141 Action Research as a Hopeful Response to Apocalypse: A Review of Bradbury, H. (2022). How to do Action Research for Transformations at a Time of Eco-social Crisis. Edward Elgar.
Norma R. A. Romm
IN THE MAKING
149 From Me to We: A Phenomenological Inquiry into Coherence
Stacey Guenther
DISCUSSION
173 Group Coherence: Its Shadow and Its Generative Potential
Jessica Bockler
IN DIALOGUE
183 The Navigation System, the Planetary Gardener, and the Prism: Metaphors for Bringing the Future into Being
Sohail Inayatullah, Emma D. Paine, and Otto Scharmer