Co-Constructing “Third Spaces” for Engagement with and for Minoritized Community Groups and Environmental Scientists

• Published in: Earth Science, Systems and Society Vol. 4
• Main Authors: Richard Holliman, Geeta Ludhra, Clare Janet Warren, Anjana Khatwa, Yoseph Araya, Kelly Smith, Janice Ansine, Marcus Peter Sebastian Badger
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Frontiers Media S.A 01.08.2024
• Subjects: critical reflexivity; duoethnography; Earth sciences; engaged research; environmental sciences; third space
• ISSN: 2634-730X
• DOI: 10.3389/esss.2024.10119

The demographics of environmental and Earth scientists are not representative of the UK’s multicultural society. We sought to widen diversity and engage equitably through two related engaged research projects, “Walking the Walk” and “Landscape Stories.” This paper offers a critically reflexive account, based on the methodology of duoethnography, of how we co-constructed a “third space” with and for minoritized community groups and environmental scientists. We sought to create the conditions for inclusive leadership informed by connectedness, respect, humility and intentionality. We argue that for environmental and Earth science research to be more equitable and inclusive, members of project teams should be engaged and more representative of wider society. Following this, collective work to create third spaces requires: respect for diversity and different forms of expertise, knowledge starting points, power dynamics and esteem; a willingness to make connections across disciplines and sub-cultures, actively listening and (un)learning from different (knowledge) cultures; and a commitment to be respectful of hidden and manifest difference, exploring purpose and gaps in knowledge in more holistic ways.