Transnational Theory Building for Researching the Global Countryside: Perspectives from Taiwan and the UK

This network will bring together rural social science researchers from Taiwan and the UK in an innovative project to explore the prospect of developing 'transnational theory' that can advance understanding of the global, national and regional dynamics that are reshaping rural societies and economies around the world. By 'transnational theory' we mean a framework of ideas for analysing and understanding contemporary rural society that is not biased towards any one cultural or territorial context, but is open to multiple contributions and influences grounded in diverse geographical settings. The proposal responds to an emerging critique of the prevalence of Anglophone concepts and western theoretical models in international rural social science, and to calls for the development of a more inclusive and cosmopolitan rural studies that is better equipped to engage with the inter-connected yet hybrid and heterogenous character of the contemporary global countryside.

The focus on Taiwan and the UK is envisaged as an experimental pilot that can explore the possibilities for 'transnational theory building' and establish principles for wider application; but is also an appropriate pairing for the initiative, reflecting the long-standing influence of British rural studies in shaping research approaches in the field as well as the growing rural research community in Taiwan that is increasingly engaged in international networks, but is moving to a more critical stance on the translation and application of western concepts. Significantly, therefore, the exchange of ideas in the project must be two-way, involving consideration of how theoretical perspectives and concepts rooted in Taiwanese culture and society might provide new insights into social and economic dynamics in the British countryside as well as vice versa. By seeking to expand capacity for academic analysis and understanding of contemporary rural society in this way, the project consequently also aims to contribute to informing new policy and practical applications to address societal challenges facing rural areas in both countries, especially around issues of migration, food systems and rural politics and governance. The network will achieve these aims through a programme of online and in-person activities focused on discussing and comparing the perspectives of British and Taiwanese participants on selected case studies informed by targeted fieldwork and leading to the formulation of 'transnational theory' and collaborative outputs.