Why interdisciplinary research for development?
Abstract
The workbook explores both the content and process of interdisciplinary research by presenting the contributed papers from the seventeen researchers participating at the workshop. The papers and debates present some very innovative ideas on interdisciplinary approaches to development research. In doing so, they examine not just the challenges in linking disciplines, but also the strategic benefits in creating a more holistic and broad view for development research. This chapter considers the definitions of ‘interdisciplinary’ and related terms, including the idea of ‘development’.
This chapter argues that an interdisciplinary approach to research for 15 development is necessary, and then contextualises this necessity in terms of the aims of the Global Development Network. Hence the book, like the workshop, is conceptualised and contextualised in recent discussions within the network concerning broadening its membership, focus and ethos.
Citation
In: MacLachlan, M., Interdisciplinary research for development : a workbook on content and process challenges, pp. 14