A vindication of ethnobotany: Between natural and social science

Authors

  • Joan Vallès Xirau University of Barcelona (Spain).
  • Teresa Garnatje Botanical Institute of Barcelona (Spain).

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.6.4402

Keywords:

ethnobiology, ethnobotany, citizen science, natural science, social science, multidisciplinarity

Abstract

Ethnobotany, a discipline located at the intersection between natural science and social science, is sometimes misunderstood by researchers from one or other of these fields. In this article we discuss the positive and negative aspects of interdisciplinarity regarding this subject, and we argue for its status as a true science from different points of view. Our conclusion is that ethnobotanical research – like all ethnobiological research in general – undoubtedly exists within the scientific field and is successfully established, active and productive. In addition, ethnobotany is a citizen science: the participation of the population is essential for research, which must be communicated to academia and to the general citizen.

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Author Biographies

Joan Vallès Xirau, University of Barcelona (Spain).

PhD in Pharmacy (Botany) with a degree in Catalan Studies. Full Professor of Botany of the University of Barcelona (Spain). Together with Teresa Garnatje, he coordinates the Etnobiofic research group (www.etnobiofic.cat) which has two main focal points: ethnobotany and evolutionary plant biology, with a special focus on cytogenetic and molecular aspects.

Teresa Garnatje, Botanical Institute of Barcelona (Spain).

PhD in Biology (Botany). Chief Scientist and Director of the Botanical Institute of Barcelona (Spain). Together with Joan Vallés, she coordinates the Etnobiofic research group (www.etnobiofic.cat) which has two main focal points: ethnobotany and evolutionary plant biology, with a special focus on cytogenetic and molecular aspects.

References

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Published

2016-04-15

How to Cite

Vallès Xirau, J., & Garnatje, T. (2016). A vindication of ethnobotany: Between natural and social science. Metode Science Studies Journal, (6), 22–27. https://doi.org/10.7203/metode.6.4402
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Issue

Science grid: The public understanding of science (2016)

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