Post-Humanist Research Proposal for Understanding Practices and Processes towards Regenerative Town Transformation
The aim of this research proposal, drawing upon a post-humanism methodology, is to investigate the practices and processes necessary for transforming a town into a regenerative community. Regenerative development, under a post-humanist lens, transcends the traditional human-centred approach by considering the agency and value of non-human entities and ecosystems in creating sustainable and thriving environments. This research intends to provide insights into the specific practices and processes required to catalyse and sustain regenerative development initiatives from a post-humanist perspective.
Research Objectives:
The key objectives of this research, guided by post-humanist principles, are as follows:
a) To identify the key principles and concepts of regenerative development from a post-humanist standpoint, which recognizes the interconnectedness and co-agency of humans, non-human beings, and ecological systems.
b) To understand the existing practices and processes, acknowledging both human and non-human actors, that facilitate the transformation of towns towards regenerative development.
c) To critically assess the challenges and barriers faced during the implementation of regenerative practices, considering the multiple and diverse perspectives and needs of human and non-human entities within the town. The research will explore potential solutions that promote inclusivity and equity.
d) To analyze and document successful case studies of regenerative transformations in towns from a post-humanist perspective, focusing on the relationships, interdependencies, and co-constitutive nature of human and non-human actors.
e) To provide recommendations and guidelines, rooted in post-humanist ethics, for towns interested in embarking on a regenerative development journey that promotes the well-being and flourishing of all constituents, human and non-human alike.
Research Methodology:
To achieve the stated objectives, the research will leverage the following post-humanist methodologies and approaches:
a) Post-humanist Review: A comprehensive review of current knowledge and practice will be conducted to understand the principles, concepts, and practices of regenerative development from a post-humanist perspective. This review will explore ways of engaging with non-human actors and ecological systems as active agents within the transformation process.
b) Multi-species Engagements: Engagements and non-hierarchical interactions with human and non-human entities, including experts, practitioners, and community stakeholders involved in regenerative development, will be conducted. This will generate insights into their experiences, challenges, and successes, while acknowledging their diverse values, knowledges, and perspectives.
c) Case Studies: Multiple case studies of towns that have successfully initiated and implemented regenerative development initiatives through inclusive, multi-species collaborations will be undertaken. Through close observation and analysis, the research will explore the practices, processes, and outcomes that consider the agency and well-being of all participants.
d) Post-humanist synthesis: Collected data, including interview transcripts, observations, and case study materials, will be analysed using post-humanist analytical frameworks. This approach will consider the entanglements, entwinement, and rationality of human and non-human actors, uncovering new perspectives and insights.
Significance and Expected Outcomes:
This post-humanist research is significant for several reasons:
a) Reconceptualising Development: The findings will contribute to redefining regenerative development within a post-humanist framework, challenging anthropocentric notions of progress and considering the diverse needs and interests of all participants.
b) Pluralistic Sustainability: Regenerative development, through post-humanist lenses, embraces pluralism and recognizes the rights and well-being of non-human entities and ecosystems. The research will provide practical guidance on creating sustainable and resilient communities while fostering equitable relationships between humans and non-humans.
c) Expanding Knowledge Boundaries: By adopting a post-humanist approach, this research helps bridge the gap in the current understanding of regenerative development processes. It contributes to the academic discourse and advances interdisciplinary research that involves human and non-human interactions in town transformations.
Ethical Considerations:
Throughout the research process, ethical considerations aligned with post-humanist principles will be upheld. This includes recognizing and respecting the agency and autonomy of all participants, obtaining informed consent, and ensuring the ethical treatment of humans and non-human beings involved in the research. Additionally, transparency, reflexivity, and reciprocity will guide the research process.
Proposed timescale of project
Operating over a five year period this will also form this basis of a combined PhD
The project will bring together lived experience of the operations while practising and implementing the changes
Year 1 - understanding the concept and building the infrastructure
Year 2 - operating and developing the frameworks
Year 3 - creating onboarding mechanism for communities
Year 4 - synthesising the journey
Year five - presenting to the wider community, developing and scaling operations
Budget:
The research budget will cover expenses related to data collection, analysis, and dissemination. This includes resources for engaging with diverse human and non-human stakeholders, travel costs (if needed), analytical tools, and publication fees. The estimated budget for this post-humanist research is £150k per year, creating 5fte positions from year 1 and developing to sustainable operations by year 5
In conclusion, this research proposal, employing a post-humanist methodology, aims to investigate the practices and processes needed for transforming towns towards becoming regenerative. By embracing pluralism, considering the co-agency of human and non-human actors, and recognizing diverse perspectives and ethics, this research seeks to guide towns in creating sustainable, inclusive, and thriving communities.
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