A Polyocular Framework for Research on Multifunctional Farming and Rural Development

Abstract

The paradox of multifunctionality is that, on the one hand, the specialized functionalities of agriculture only arise because of the functional differentiation of social systems and scientific disciplines and, on the other hand, multifunctionality can only enter as a way to mediate between conflicts, interests and fragmented knowledge when different functions and observations of functions combine. The aim of this paper is to contribute to a theoretical and methodological platform for multidisciplinary research on multifunctional farming. With the notions of polyocular cognition and polyocular communication we introduce a second order, interdisciplinary communication process that can meet the challenge of creating a shared view on multifunctional farming. Polyocular communication must be based on other rules than the rules of the involved disciplines. Whereas disciplinary communication is about providing consistent, efficient and precise knowledge in the context of a sharply delimited research world, polyocular communication is about extending a multidimensional space of understanding.

Mindscapes and individual heterogeneity within and between cultures

“…Mindscape theory has been applied to diverse fields, such as communication and social psychology (Boje, 2004), psychology (Hentschel andSambadze, 2002; Yolles &Fink, 2009), internet mediated communication (Gammack, 2002), management (Noe, et al 2005), and multifunctional farming and rural development (Noe et al, 2005(Noe et al, , 2008). Maruyama's empirical research employs small sample sizes that deal with European and industrialized countries.…”

Exploring multifunctional agriculture. A review of conceptual approaches and prospects for an integrative transitional framework

“…When consistently applied, the recognition of the multifunctionality of agriculture fundamentally challenges the ways in which agricultural activities are observed and analysed, their effects assessed, and interrelations between for example farm and region or natural and social processes are conceptualized. Noe et al (2008) argued that the research challenges posed by MFA go beyond the reach of individual disciplinary approaches, and that no single discipline can fully incorporate all the different perspectives required to analyse MFA in all its complexity. Rather, a move forward towards integrated, multi-and interdisciplinary approaches appears to be required, in which MFA serves as a shared 'boundary object'di.e.…”

There's more to the picture than meets the eye: Measuring tangible and intangible capital in two marginal communities in rural Denmark

“…Svendsen and Svendsen, 2004;Dudwick et al, 2006), arguing that use of various methodologies on the same phenomena can help deepen our understanding. Metaphorically speaking, we use what has been termed a poly-ocular vision, that is, a multidimensional research technique where relevant disciplines and methods are used in an integrated way, in order to shed as much light on a phenomenon as possible (Maruyama, 1978(Maruyama, , 2004Noe et al, 2005). Such an approach differs from monocular approaches, using only one discipline and one methodology; as well as from binocular, or cross-disciplinary, approaches, where two or more disciplines shed light on a phenomenon, however from each their perspective and not necessarily in any integrated way (their visions or, literally, their 'seeing' the world is not the same, like is the case with our eyes when looking through a binocular).…”