Synergy of systems theory and symbolic interactionism: a passageway for non-Indigenous researchers that facilitates better understanding Indigenous worldviews and knowledges

Abstract

Historically, non-Indigenous researchers have contributed to colonisation by research based on Western positivistic philosophical frameworks. This approach led to disembodying knowledge from Indigenous people's histories, worldviews, and cultural and social practices, thus perpetuating a deficit-based discourse which situates the responsibility of problems within Indigenous peoples and ignores the larger socioeconomic and historical contexts in which problems are rooted. Rectifying this position requires decolonising Western positivistic research by shifting to basing research on social constructionist paradigms that lead to strength-based approaches. Based on our experiences gained exploring disaster risk reduction perspectives with two remote Indigenous communities in Australia and Pakistan, we suggest in this conceptual paper that a synergy of systems theory and symbolic interactionism offers an appropriate philosophical lens to non-Indigenous researchers for gaining a more comprehensive and deeper understanding of Indigenous holistic and relational perspectives, experiences, interpretations and actions/ interaction. Research based on these philosophical worldviews promotes a strength-based approach that aligns with and empowers Indigenous ways of facilitating health and wellbeing. We offer our experiences of utilising these two frameworks and of how they could assist other non-Indigenous researchers to discover valuable insights into Indigenous perspectives and interpretations that might otherwise be ignored or neglected.

Decolonising research approaches towards non-extractive research

“…As Nayak (2017) once pointed out, diverse theoretical frameworks demonstrate a transgression of disciplinary borders. Several studies advocate for a “synergy of systems” theory that provides an appropriate philosophical lens for a deeper understanding of Indigenous knowledge and unique values (Ali et al , 2021; Warwick Education Studies, 2020). According to Queen’s University Centre for teaching and learning (Queen’s University Centre for teaching and learning [QUCT&L], 2020), such “indigenisation” of knowledge requires recognition and inclusion.…”

“…By integrating CBPR frameworks with decolonising the research philosophy, this study explores, identifies and advances knowledge about inclusivity in research and approaches to non-extractive research. This will enable a balanced research philosophy between Indigenous and Western theories and philosophies (Ali et al , 2021). By adopting this approach, this study contributes to the ongoing and emerging methodological debates about decolonising the education curriculum and research philosophy.…”

From the Cancer Stage of Capitalism to the Political Principle of the Common: The Social Immune Response of "Food as Commons"

“…The holistic food systems approach emerged from the development of complex adaptive systems theory and in particular ecological systems theory according to which ‘human beings are embedded in multiple nested systems and human development is the result of the complex interactions between and within these systems over time.’ 13 With its emphasis on holism, relationality and interdependence, there is a strong affinity between food systems theory and the eco-centric cosmologies of Indigenous peoples, who ‘feel responsible for living in harmony with nature and creating a culture that reciprocally protects and nourishes life in all its forms.’ 13 Such ontologies and forms of knowing ‘differ fundamentally from the prevailing totalitarian, positivistic, rationalist, mechanistic and reductionist Western worldviews.’ 13 …”

“…13 With its emphasis on holism, relationality and interdependence, there is a strong affinity between food systems theory and the eco-centric cosmologies of Indigenous peoples, who 'feel responsible for living in harmony with nature and creating a culture that reciprocally protects and nourishes life in all its forms. ' 13 Such ontologies and forms of knowing 'differ fundamentally from the prevailing totalitarian, positivistic, rationalist, mechanistic and reductionist Western worldviews.' 13 The contrast is particularly sharp with the globalising, industrialised and capitalist food system which, notwithstanding recent moves towards 'zero waste, ' 'green growth' and 'circular economy' discourse, is the very embodiment of the reductionist Western worldview.…”

“…13 Such ontologies and forms of knowing 'differ fundamentally from the prevailing totalitarian, positivistic, rationalist, mechanistic and reductionist Western worldviews.' 13 The contrast is particularly sharp with the globalising, industrialised and capitalist food system which, notwithstanding recent moves towards 'zero waste, ' 'green growth' and 'circular economy' discourse, is the very embodiment of the reductionist Western worldview. There are certain common features that have characterised the capitalist food system since its commencement in the plantation economies of the Americas, rooted in the trans-Atlantic slave trade of the first centuries of European colonisation.…”