Through the Eyes of a Satin Bowerbird

Through the eyes of a satin bowerbird: a bricolage metaphor as an organising principle for a self-reflective process to explore spirituality in home economics contexts

Author Deagon, Jay

Published 2015

Journal Title Victorian Journal of Home Economics

Version Version of Record (VoR)

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Griffith Research Online https://research-repository.griffith.edu.au Through the eyes of a satin bowerbird a bricolage metaphor as an organising principle for a self-reflective process Jay R. Deagon PhD Adjunct Research Fellow to explore spirituality in home Griffith Institute for Educational Research (GIER) economics contexts.

This is a peer reviewed article Abstract It started with a poem Researchers often “act like” satin bowerbirds as they purposefully, selectively and instinctively select and display the “bluest of trophies” or “the best bits” of their Satin Bowerbird Blues research. The strategies conveyed in this paper were used as an observational technique to explore cross-cultural views and perceptions of spirituality within Ptilinorhynchus violaceus home economics contexts. This article articulates the methodological journey By Richard Foerster towards construction of a bricolage research metaphor: through the eyes of a satin bowerbird. The paper uses a narrative approach to communicate the researcher’s When whatever tripwire story of the development of an organising principle for a self-reflective process triggers his compulsion, to explain research decisions and actions within uncertain research environments. he constructs a U from twigs The satin bowerbird bricolage entailed a six-phase navigation method of engaging, selecting, focusing, refining, defining, and weaving theoretical and methodological and hoop-pine needles tapered concepts together with key insights of the research. The methodology explored foot-high at the tips in this paper offers a transparency technique for a critical self-reflection process like horns. To this courtyard exposes a researcher’s choices of theoretical and methodological lenses also of bliss he brings the bluest exposes the complexity of individualised researcher realities. trophies he can find to entice the demurely dull- Introduction green bowerhens This article articulates the As a methodological process, metaphor to his violaceous eyes – methodological journey which was is useful. Following Schmitt’s (2005) blues electric and ultra- undertaken in constructing a research ‘rules’ for the use of metaphor in marine: swap-shop gems, metaphor: through the eyes of a satin qualitative research, the satin bowerbird wrapper scraps and straws, bowerbird. The purpose of this paper metaphor operated within a broader a plastic bottlecap. His is craft is to share the journey of a home research strategy. As a caveat, if taken economics researcher navigating a too far, an analogy may expose illogical cerulean, lapis, indican complex, highly subjective and fluid or irrational arguments that may detract to swell a heart like a sapphire research environment. A recent project from the author’s intentions (Thouless, star till he bursts into a fluff-’n- that examined cross-cultural views 1961). The satin bowerbird metaphor ruffle jig with a navy clothespeg, and perceptions of spirituality within a was not used to justify researcher perhaps, in his bill. home economics paradigm required reasoning or results; rather, it was an Whether an audience will come the researcher to examine deeply organising principle for a self-reflective and stay, enthralled, he breaks – her own subjective perceptions. The process to explain research decisions guttural, glissando – into pure way that the researcher perceived the and actions. To illuminate the metaphor, cyanic song. subjective topic of spirituality required this article uses a narrative approach a non-traditional approach to research to communicate the research story and Figure 1: Satin Bowerbird Blues a Poem practices. In order to study spirituality a colour version of this paper would be by Richard Foerster (2005) as a research topic, the location of beneficial for the reader. a diverse and socially responsive In the spirit of bricolage, which will theoretical and methodological be explained later in this article, and framework within which to operate was in order to give the reader a poetic required. introduction to my work, I present this poem (Figure 1) entitled Satin Bowerbird

Victorian Journal of Home Economics Volume 54 Number 1 2015 Page 7 Figure 2: Male satin bowerbird (ptilinorhynchus violaceus) decorating his bower with the bluest of trophies. Photograph by Tim Lanman retrieved on 10 May 2012 via National Geographic website Germany at http://ngm.nationalgeographic

Blues by Richard Foerster (2005), used bowerbird (Ptilinorhynchus violaceus) that makes for successful breeding – it with permission. (Figure 2) is unique for two reasons: is the preparation of the bower that 1) it weaves, paints and decorates a makes the difference for nesting The genesis of the Satin Bowerbird bower to entice a mate; and 2) uses success. Bricolage (hereafter referred to as SBB) decorations of a specific colour blue. stemmed from a casual conversation With my fascination deepening, I wrote For interest’s sake, if blue ornaments with my partner. Reflecting on my to the author of the poem (Figure 1) are not available, yellow or white previous research experiences, to find out about his experience with objects are sometimes collected. Some I recognised that I was ‘acting’ like a the satin bowerbird. Richard Foerster other bowerbird species collect shells, male satin bowerbird. I had anecdotal explained: flowers, feathers, fungi to adorn the evidence of other researchers ‘feeling’ bower. Male bowerbirds often ‘steal’ I wrote “Satin Bowerbird Blues” in the same way about their work: a from other males’ bowers to improve January 2001 during my residency at compulsion to select and present their own bower decorations. The Varuna, the novelist Eleanor Dark’s only ‘the best bits’ of literature and female bowerbird will then assess house in Katoomba that is now a writers’ research. On rainforest walks near my the ‘honesty’ of the male bowerbird colony. Over the course of my weeks home in South-East Queensland, I have by investigating the bower for colour, there, I got to watch the bowerbird in had personal encounters with satin arrangement, quality and quantity of his efforts to construct a bower. Alas, bowerbirds, their bowers and their the ornaments that adorn the bower. he repeatedly failed since more mature collections of bright blue ornaments, It is believed that parasites in the eyes males kept raiding his trophies. Still, the which left me with enduring feelings of the male satin bowerbird affect the urge to construct and dance and sing of awe and wonder. My inquisitiveness selection of the bluest of ornaments for never deserted him. There’s a life-lesson obliged me to search academic the arrangement in his bower (Keagy et there. (I’m curious to know, however, literature to learn more about the satin al., 2009). In this way, by the selection what these birds did before the advent bowerbird. and arrangement of these ‘bluest of of human detritus.) (personal email I discovered that the bowerbird is trophies’, a female bowerbird can communication, Foerster, 2013) thought to be one of the most intelligent identify how healthy the male bird is Indeed it is a curious question – what birds in the avian world due to its and therefore determine his “honesty” did satin bowerbirds do before cognitive ability to use tools to build as a suitable mating partner. Although humans invented blue clothes pegs? elaborate structures called bowers it is only the male bowerbird that Regardless, it was the instinctive habits (Keagy, Savard, & Borgia, 2009). Avian creates the bower, for the purpose of and persistence of this much watched researchers use the term ‘avenue’ to the analogy developed in this paper, adolescent satin bowerbird that gave describe the purpose of a bower. The gender is multidirectional and no bias is my research its unique perspective. bower is not a nest; rather, it is an intended. For the bowerbirds, the bower invitation to nest. The male satin is not the final nesting place (or home)

Page 8 Victorian Journal of Home Economics Volume 54 Number 1 2015 A methodological metaphor: through the eyes of a satin bowerbird As the research progressed, I began to Some see research as a step-by-step 2005; O’Halloran, 2008). I used see points of connection between the process that starts with a research creative devices to allow for fluidity satin bowerbird’s behaviours and my question and ends with a technically of thought and development of a research behaviours. I now develop the formatted report which logically and twisting and turning research story methodological metaphor: through the objectively arrives at a definitive answer (Creswell, 2005). By creative, I mean eyes of the satin bowerbird by “speaking to that specific research question the use of devices such as poems, to” Figure 3. It will be explained that (Creswell, 2005). My research did not metaphors, analogies, photographs, this methodological metaphor required follow such a simple linear process. The annotated drawings, models and a complex set of considerations. The doctoral thesis was structured using graphs to highlight and explain complex suite of photographs in Figure 3 is a traditional signposts for identifying concepts. There were three reasons pictorial representation of the way I quality research (introduction, for this style of presentation. First, the visualised a narrowing of my research literature review, theoretical study was internet-based; as a site focus. I will explain each of these framework, methodology, data and of data collection, the internet is a photographs and corresponding analysis, discussion, and conclusion); highly visual space (Silverman, 2010). concepts in six stages: engaging, but in places, the manuscript was Second, following Creswell’s (2005, selecting, focusing, refining, defining also creative in its writing style and pp. 440–441) characteristics of a and weaving. I begin with a perceived visualisations, and examples are critical ethnographer, I did not behave conflict between traditional and non- provided throughout this paper. like a passive observer; rather, I took traditional ways to approach research. an active position and involved myself I associate the SBB with a movement within the research environments. Third, toward visualising research (Banks,

Figure 3: Model to visually represent the stages of navigating the research environment and narrowing the research lenses to arrive at the research metaphor: through the eyes of a satin bowerbird

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as a body of work, the thesis became • Spirituality can’t (or shouldn’t) be more accessible for the visual reader. measured. I visualised the phases of research • Spirituality is religious. Religion development as “bubbles” (Figure 3). has no place in academia or home The bubbles represent the fragility and economics. instability of the research environment. • I’m a very spiritual person … let In the initial stages, I was not secured your angels/goddesses/stars within solid and grounded approaches guide you. to knowledge, knowing, culture and • What is home economics? Isn’t that society. To assist with understanding just cooking and sewing? my influence on the direction of the research, I used an analogy of wind • I can see how cooking and eating blowing because wind speed, direction could be a spiritual experience – and strength are influenced by planetary but sewing? forces. I envisaged the researcher I assumed that these expressions (me) as the wind being influenced are informed by personal by planetary forces, for example, experience, worldviews and taken- embedded cultural expectations, media, for-granted assumptions as initial wars, climate change and so forth – Photograph A: Engaging in the whole perceptions about spirituality and all forces and pressures beyond my research environment home economics. Despite the immediate control; yet, those forces differences of opinion, deepening still have an influence on me. Photograph A: Engaging (Figure 3) is conversations led me to discover To explain how the bubbles were a sketchy and unfocused view of the commonalities of understanding. To positioned in relation to each other: whole research environment. Within investigate spiritual discourses in all bubbles floated together in a this bubble, decisions are made about home economics contexts, for me, chaotic dance; some bubbles would epistemology, ontology and quantitative the most contentious issue is an bounce off one another, some bubbles or qualitative research paradigms interrogation of my own researcher merged, some bubbles would dissipate (Creswell, 2005). This engagement perspectives (Adams St. Pierre, or violently explode into nothingness. stage represented the vast array of 2011; Joe L. Kincheloe, 2001). The Enduring bubbles moved forward research paradigms available. It was anecdotal evidence, in conjunction in the same direction. This forward daunting to immerse myself in the with recommendations about precise movement was because I exerted possibilities of research. Importantly, theoretical and methodological constant influence on the direction of I was also being influenced by other frameworks (Creswell, 2005) the research. Even with some bubbles people’s opinions and perspectives. make it apparent to me that my bursting along the way, each bubble’s A diary entry as narrative (Table 1) research topics are going to require content was recorded in diary entries recorded how other people perceived certain constraints to contain the during the research process so that my research topics and my reaction to enormity of views, perceptions and events and experiences which led their comments. perspectives about spirituality and to theoretical and methodological home economics – including my own decisions could be recalled. Table 1: Anecdotal evidence and subjective interpretations. researcher reflection about other I am the subject in photographs A, B, C people’s perceptions of the research The selection of appropriate research and D in Figure 3. It is the same paradigms which satisfactorily photograph. I am holding a crystal topics address researcher subjectivity is prism. The prism is multifaceted and Across years of study, when I explain a labyrinth. I needed to identify my creates the illusion of my eye as a to people that my research interests research strengths and weaknesses. multifaceted optical lens. My eye is are ‘spirituality’, ‘spiritual health and For example, I have an aptitude for repeated several times – this well-being’ and ‘home economics’, language; statistics, however, required represents the multifaceted nature of I have been faced with a diverse a proficiency which I was still to acquire. research. Each photograph has been range of anecdotal yet predictable Therefore, qualitative research was manipulated for monochrome, colour, responses. Indicative anecdotal a suitable paradigm to pursue. I had saturation and stylised effects using the comments include: already aligned with a constructivist “artistic” facility available in Word 2010. I epistemology as a result of my teaching now explain the content of each of the • They are very broad subjects! degree (McInerney & McInerney, bubbles. • How can you study spirituality? 2006). I had predetermined the broad subjects of my research as spirituality

Page 10 Victorian Journal of Home Economics Volume 54 Number 1 2015 and home economics; a sociocultural To illustrate, Strauss and Corbin’s subjective, and though I may approach was therefore appropriate. (1990) approach to traditional grounded find reasons to believe that my Home economics is an identified theory is an example of rigid technical experience may not be unlike yours, I interdisciplinary subject (International structure applied to a methodology. have no way of knowing that it is the Federation for Home Economics, Strauss and Corbin believed that social same (p. 1). 2009), so an interdisciplinary approach scientists could be objective and so From this perspective, I could move was also applicable. Each of these could arrive at conclusions directly forward with the research in the deliberations and decisions arrived from the data. However, Charmaz knowledge that any reports were based through an iterative and reflective (2006) developed grounded theory by on my own subjective interpretation of process as I waded through the introducing “a constructivist approach”. language, experiences and events. It literature relating to selection of mega By introducing constructivism into was rational and logical to expect that and meta research paradigms. grounded theory, Charmaz asserted everyone I encountered on this research that researcher subjectivity must journey was also unique. be taken into account. Researcher subjectivity had not been adequately Understanding complexity resulted in addressed in previous versions of my construction of a liquid-qualitative grounded theory (Denscombe, 2007). research paradigm based on Zygmunt Traditional grounded theory contained Bauman’s concept of liquid modernity many “shades of grey” – hence, the (Bauman, 2011). Liquid modernity is monochrome bubble. Similar shades a metaphorical space where there is of grey relating to rigour, validity and a “growing conviction that change is subjectivity were also found in content the only permanence, and uncertainty analysis and discourse analysis (Gee, the only certainty” (original emphasis, 2005; Silverman, 2006). I needed to Bauman, 2012, p. viii). Paradoxically, identify the specific ingredients of Gee’s many dominant mega-paradigms (for (2005) “grey soup”. Selection of mega example, modernism, postmodernism, and meta theoretical paradigms added structuralism and poststructuralism) colour to my research lens. operate simultaneously within spiritual and home economics discourses From the outset it seemed evident that and many mega-paradigms became I required research lenses that would evident in the study. This caused enable me to understand how, and in a significant problem of perceived what ways, spirituality was a unique Photograph B: Selecting mega and paradigm slippages and notable and personal subjective experience meta research paradigms with inconsistencies in reporting (Malott, for each individual (Deagon, 2014). complementary methodology 2010). Notwithstanding uniqueness, I Yet, I also needed to find a way to needed to rectify issues of instability locate shared meaning for the highly Photograph B: Selecting (Figure 3) is and uncertainty. subjective constructs (Deagon & now in focus, but is still monochrome. Pendergast, 2014). Each individual Zygmunt Bauman (2011) explained liquid Gee (2005) described socially operates in interdisciplinary spaces, modernity as a follow-on theorisation to constructed discourses as “grey soup”. complementary and competing traditional structured thoughts about I found that the qualitative paradigm is paradigms and multifaceted contexts. modernity, and stated that the ‘passage still considered by some researchers To address these issues, a radical from the “solid” to the “liquid” phase of to be about making “black and white” constructivist approach was useful. Von modernity’ is a condition: decisions in relation to methodology Glaserfeld (1995) explains the concept (Creswell, 2005). In order to overcome …in which social forms (structures of radical constructivism as starting: some epistemological issues found that limit individual choices, within qualitative paradigms it … from the assumption that institutions that guard repetitions was necessary to select research knowledge, no matter how it be of routines, patterns of acceptable paradigms which would complement defined, is in the heads of persons, behaviour) can no longer (and are and encompass various cross-cultural and that the thinking subject has no not expected to) keep their shape for perceptions of spirituality (Creswell, alternative but to construct what long, because they decompose and 2005; Guba & Lincoln, 1994; Lincoln, he or she knows on the basis of his melt faster than the time it takes to 2001; Reid, 1997). I set out on a very or her own experience. What we cast them, and once they are cast complex journey to locate appropriate make of experience constitutes the for them to set (p. 1). perspectives that suited the research only world we consciously live in… Bauman’s mega-paradigm of liquid aims. [sorted into different categories] all modernity provided me with some kinds of experience are essentially hope and gave clues as to the future of

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research paradigms. I have not yet been economics sites?” together with several privileged with a “lifetime project” of sub-questions (for the outcomes of this studying the nuances and subtleties of research see Deagon & Pendergast, mega or meta paradigms available to a 2014). I could now move to decisions contemporary researcher; nonetheless, about an appropriate methodology Bauman captured the essence of that would facilitate addressing the my struggles with a rapidly changing research questions. Again, this was not world of thoughts, philosophy, world an easy task because of an identified events and everyday human actions. reciprocity between spirituality and Initially, and as a result of reading home economics. Adams St Pierre’s (2011) critique of “post-qualitative research”, I came to Mutual partners: spirituality appreciate that I was researching on the and home economics cusp of current qualitative techniques and that the concept of spirituality Home economics is an interdisciplinary was being viewed through numerous academic arena where curriculum competing and complementary typically covers topics such as research paradigms, often from the food literacy, nutrition, textiles, past and/or Euro-centric perspectives early childhood, adolescent health, economics of the home, environmental (Malott, 2010). For this reason, utilising Photograph C: Focusing the research sustainability, and social, cultural, a Bernsteinian approach to the question production, recontextualisation and political and spiritual influences on consumption practices (Deagon & reproduction of knowledge (Bernstein, Photograph C: Focusing (Figure 3) is Pendergast, 2012). Generally, the focus 2000), I recontextualised Bauman’s represented as a naturally coloured lens of home economics internationally concept of liquid modernity (Bauman, and is where the research question and is to attain “optimal and sustainable 2011, 2012b) to capture the essential the research contexts became clearer. health and wellbeing” for individuals, essence of my uncertain research This stage arrived with the conclusion of families and communities in everyday environment. I created a meta-paradigm my earlier research (Deagon, 2009). It life situations (International Federation called a liquid-qualitative research was an advantage to have had previous for Home Economics, 2009). In the environment. I came to understand research experience in the fields course of their work, home economists that my study was underpinned by the of education, health education and utilise a complex array of philosophies following assumptions about knowledge, spirituality. Through my earlier research and ideologies to reflect on the social, knowing, individuals and society: experience I had gained a foundational cultural, environmental, political and understanding of poststructuralism, 1. Nothing is certain except spiritual contexts of the people they postmodernism, feminism and uncertainty; work with (McGregor, Pendergast, constructivist theories (Deagon, 2009; 2. Nothing can be taken for granted or Seniuk, Eghan, & Engberg, 2008). Pendergast, 1999; Weedon, 1987). assumed, and this is a significant Most of these contexts (cultural, social, At the conclusion of my Master of paradox; political and so forth) are axiomatic; Education studies I had tentatively 3. Knowledge, knowing and reality is however, spiritual contexts are still developed my future doctoral research only in the mind of the individual and somewhat vague in meaning. Deagon question. In the initial stages I had is unpredictable; (2013, p. 329) defined spiritual contexts asked, what could spirituality “look as “the complex, multi-logical and 4. Context is everything but is rarely like” in a home economics classroom? interrelated conditions in which spiritual transparent or knowable; and Many more colourful research health and well-being exists, occurs or 5. Events and experiences are keys options became available to me. As a is developed”. Some people assume to an individual’s perceptions and postgraduate research assistant, I had that spirituality and religiosity are subjectivity. worked with video transcription and mutually exclusive concepts (Blake, analysis, semiotics, and multimodal Framed within the liquescent meta- 1996; Marples, 2006; Pargament & discourse analysis frameworks framework described above, and Sweeney, 2011). Nonetheless, there (O’Mara, Beavis, & Deagon, 2010). With “knowing” that “everything” is in a is a growing number of researchers exposure to alternative methodological constant state of flux, rather than who believe that spirituality is an perspectives, and my epistemological unsettling my nerve and increasing innate characteristic of all human lens developing, my research question my fears and uncertainty, I felt more beings, which has consequences for evolved. The research question which confident to refocus on the research health and wellbeing outcomes (Best, ultimately guided the study was “can question. 2000; Crawford & Rossiter, 2006; De spiritual health and wellbeing be an Souza, 2006; Fisher, 2011; Hawks, observable phenomenon in home 1994; Hochheimer, 2012; McGregor

Page 12 Victorian Journal of Home Economics Volume 54 Number 1 2015 & Chesworth, 2005; Radford, 2006; not erase my previous experiences or inappropriate for an interpretation Tacey, 2003). Deagon (2013, p. 329) with various methodologies – each and analysis of the research concepts characterises spiritual health and methodology had “blue trophies” (Adams St. Pierre, 2011; Charmaz, wellbeing as: to offer. As a result, the SBB was 2006; Cohen & Manion, 1994; beginning to take form of its own Creswell, 2005; Denzin & Lincoln, 2011; …a complex construct that serves accord – hence the blue tinted lens. Silverman, 2006; Strauss & Corbin, a human need to: a) quest for 1990). My research was organic, fluid self-knowledge to give meaning Bricolage described my actions and flowing… or liquid. and purpose in life; b) nurture and of including and excluding certain maintain quality relationships with methodological knowledge in order Kincheloe, McLaren and Steinberg other people; c) develop a genuine to weave together a coherent and (2011) described a researcher-as- appreciation of and connectedness thoughtful research design and bricoleur as appreciating research as “a to the natural world; and d) define relevant method that could address power-driven act” and as someone who individually and validate socially the research questions (Kincheloe, also: the mysterious connectedness of 2001). At each phase of engagement … abandons the quest for some everything in the known and unknown with academic research, I was naïve concept of realism, focusing universe. actively recontextualising previous instead on the clarification of his exposure to various methodologies. Home economics philosophies, or her position in the web of reality Therefore, certain aspects and policies and practices were found to and the social locations of other underpinning theories about grounded have synergies with spiritual health researchers and the ways they shape theory, content analysis, discourse and wellbeing frameworks (Deagon, the production and interpretation of analysis, multimodal discourse 2012; Deagon & Pendergast, 2012; knowledge (p. 168). analysis, semiotics and transgressive Deagon & Pendergast, 2014). Given methodologies each necessarily “Web of reality” and “social locations” the complexities of spiritual contexts, contributed to the SSB. As my research identifies complexity as an issue. spiritual health and wellbeing, and of deepened, my research behaviours Human beings, health, wellbeing home economics, it was necessary became significantly more refined. and spirituality are complex notions for me to locate an equally complex constructed within complex social research methodology in which to situations (Crawford & Rossiter, 2006; research these topics. Bricolage Hawks, 2004; McGregor & Chesworth, Bricolage worked in concert with the 2005; Pargament & Sweeney, 2011). radical constructivist’s perspective of a The developing theory which supports liquid-qualitative research environment. bricolage is thought to be a response to These concepts combined fortified the complexity. platform from which I could self-reflect and identify my perspective of the Using Kincheloe’s (2005) theory, the world and how I saw myself operating assumptions which drive complexity within it, personally, professionally and theory and also underpin the rationale as researcher. I followed Kincheloe’s of bricolage are: 1) explicate and (2005) assertion that: implicate orders of reality; 2) questioning universalism; 3) polysemy; …as one labors [sic] to expose the 4) living processes in which cultural various structures that covertly entities are situated; 5) ontology of shape one’s own and other scholars’ relationships and connections; 6) research narratives, the bricolage intersecting contexts; 7) multiple highlights the relationship between a epistemologies; 8) intertextuality; 9) researcher’s ways of seeing and the discursive construction; 10) interpretive social location of his or her personal aspects of all knowledge; 11) fictive history (p. 324). dimensions of research findings; Taking into consideration the fact and 12) relationships between power Photograph D: Refining the that there are many identified issues and knowledge (for definitions and Methodology – the Journey Toward in studying spirituality (Berry, 2005; explanations see Kincheloe, 2005, Bricolage de Jager Meezenbroek et al., 2010; pp. 327–330). Despite the intricacies O’Connell & Skevington, 2007), of complexity assumptions, for the Photograph D: Refining (Figure 3) is bricolage provided an opportunity for bricoleur, rigour in research is still represented as a highlighted blue lens deliberation. Predefined and well used important (Kincheloe, 2001). By which focused the research context research paradigms, methodology adopting a bricolage approach I to select bricolage methodology. I and methods seemed rigid, inflexible could make it clear that I understood selected bricolage because I could

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these notions “out of [a] respect for appropriateness of using metaphor in as looking through the eyes of a satin complexity of the lived world and the qualitative research. The parameters bowerbird enabled me to critically complications of power” (Kincheloe, et for using metaphors and expanded analyse my own thought processes in al., 2011, p. 168). explanation of the SBB metaphor are concert with the bricolage. outlined next. Developing a metaphor: Photograph E: Defining (Figure Metaphor, creative devices quilts, crystals and satin 3) represents a narrowing of the and visualising research bowerbirds research metaphor: through the There are advantages to using a good At this stage of my investigation eyes of a satin bowerbird. In relation metaphor to describe a complex into bricolage, I was introduced to to radical constructivist and liquid- process. As explained in the opening a “quilting” metaphor. Indeed, a few qualitative paradigms, subjectivity and paragraphs of this paper, it was my years into my research project, it interpretation of “truth” necessarily appreciation for the natural world had become a “quilted” patchwork feature. It was important to consider that inspired me to use an Australian design (Denzin & Lincoln, 2011, p. 4). that while collecting and analysing the rainforest bird as a metaphor to explain To describe myself as a researcher, data, I was “being” a home economics my research behaviour. It will also be as “a maker of quilts” appealed to my professional with a particular repertoire recalled that care must be taken when home economics sensibilities. From of expected field specific knowledge, using metaphors in qualitative research experience, one cannot construct a values and assumptions. Guba and (Schmitt, 2005; Thouless, 1961). quilt without gathering and improvising Lincoln (1994) state that “ultimately, Schmitt (2005) defined “the rules” for the necessary tools. Anyone who researchers will represent… material in identifying a metaphor as: a) a word or has attempted to make a quilt (and the frameworks and languages of their phrase, strictly-speaking, which can be succeeded) knows that it requires a research concerns and in disciplinary understood beyond the literal meaning great deal of dedication, patience, terms” (p. 20). The presentation of in context of what is being said; and b) forethought, planning, creativity, research may be embodied in different the literal meaning which stems from an accuracy and precision, and it helps ways, but the technical language of area of physical or cultural experience if you have a passion for quilting. This home economics and teaching as (source area); and c) which, however, was an apt description for my approach my disciplinary fields remained. As is – in this context – transferred to a to the research. Although the quilting a home economist and educator second, often abstract, area (target and crystal metaphors have received engaging with the data and constructing area). some criticism (Paradis, 2013), rightly knowledge, I had an advantage (and bias) in accessing certain disciplinary Despite criticisms, there are many or wrongly identified as a bricoleur instances of metaphor used in making a quilt, I then questioned the knowledges. To provide rigour, and focus my biases, perceiving myself philosophy and literature to challenge the hegemonic ideology of the time. To illustrate, René Descartes (1596–1650) used architectural metaphors to describe a preparatory phase before applying his method of doubt (Deagon, 2014; Descartes, 1901). Staying true to his mathematical principles, Descartes consistently used architectural terminology, such as demolition, building, foundations and construction in the literal sense, as a metaphor for the deconstruction and reconstruction of an individual’s knowledge (Garber, 1998, 2003). This metaphor likens preparing the mind to building a meticulously planned city from the ground up (for a critical analysis of Descartes’ work specific for home economics contexts see Deagon, 2014). In contemporary times, metaphor has also been used to describe society and complex processes. For example, Bauman (2011) described contemporary Photograph E: Defining the research metaphor society as a liquid. McGregor (2011)

Page 14 Victorian Journal of Home Economics Volume 54 Number 1 2015 used a spider plant analogy to describe self-reflection process of researchers – the final copy of the thesis manuscript an ecological and holistic vision of or – metaphors we research by; eliciting (see Deagon, 2013), I used titles and home economics in the twenty-first explicit metaphors from research stanzas of Foerster’s poem (Figure century. Turkki (2012) used an old, vital participants; used as part of a broader 1) as “signposts” to accompany and tree to express how she conceived a research strategy; or reconstruction explain traditional headings such as renewal and revitalisation of the basic of research participants’ metaphorical “introduction”, “methodology” and so structures of home economics through points of view and of cultural forth (Table 2). The thesis had nine education and research. Schmitt (2005, phenomena. These tools manifest in chapters in total, but two chapters pp. 360–366) observed that metaphors the SBB. were data and analysis, so the poem can manifest in qualitative research as: was divided into eight sections. Each I now provide a practical example of therapeutic tools; used to describe the traditional chapter heading was how I came to see through the eyes of results of qualitative research; used accompanied by a SBB concept that the satin bowerbird as the metaphor for to describe the qualitative research was displayed in solid electric blue selecting and working within the liquid- process; used to search for specified boxes with white writing. qualitative research environment. In metaphors in the data; used in the

Table 2: Creation of non-traditional chapter headings using stanzas of a poem by Richard Foerster entitled Satin Bowerbird Blues to complement SBB and to explain traditional chapter headings

Traditional chapter heading SBB chapter heading Corresponding stanza of the poem

When whatever tripwire triggers his Chapter one: introduction The compulsion compulsion, he constructs a U from twigs

Chapter two: paradigms and and hoop-pine needles tapered foot-high The building materials perspectives at the tips like horns. To this courtyard

Selecting the sites to construct the of bliss he brings the bluest trophies he Chapter three: literature review bower can find to entice the demurely dull-

green bowerhens to his violaceous Chapter four: theoretical framework Lenses and structure eyes – blues electric and ultra-

marine: swap-shop gems, wrapper The craft of collection, selection and Chapter five: method scraps and straws, a plastic bottlecap. weaving His is craft

cerulean, lapis, indican to swell a heart Chapters six and seven: data and Decorating the bower with the bluest of like a sapphire star till he bursts into a analysis trophies fluff-

’n-ruffle jig with a navy clothespeg, The mature bowerbird’s decorated Chapter eight: discussion and findings perhaps, in his bill whether an audience bower will come

and stay, enthralled, he breaks – Chapter nine: conclusion Cyanic song guttural, glissando – into pure cyanic song.

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is significant because it signifies a frame of reference tool in a literal sense. To illustrate, this means that I envisaged the analysis and findings as situated just beyond the U shaped bower that was constructed using theory, methods, data, themes, and so forth. Therein, once the bower was constructed, I looked through the bower as a framing tool in order to fix my focus on the research topics, analysis and findings as cropped, yet visible, scenery on either side. In this way, I could take in all the theoretical and philosophical material woven together to surround (frame) the research topics. Conceptualising the U-shaped bower stabilised the research environment and research topics. Furthermore, although the research bowers were fixed within the pages of the thesis manuscript, a differently constructed research bower (an existing or new methodology or a new satin bowerbird) would enable the research content to remain open Figure 4: Example of a “research bower” used to display the “bluest of trophies” for interpretation. The bricoleur relating to selection and presentation of theoretical and methodological paradigms acknowledges that insights and findings are always subjective and open for interpretation (Kincheloe, 2005). Thus Referring to Foerster’s Satin Bowerbird it might be that the satin bowerbird Blues poem (Figure 1 and Table approach is not a new methodology 2), I found that I was purposefully but rather a way of describing a type of selecting “the bluest trophies” for bricolage. my “U shaped” research “bower”. As will be recalled from the description Weaving the research bowers of the male satin bowerbird offered and selecting the bluest at the beginning of this paper, this trophies meant that I was mentally collecting and categorising artefacts (literature This section expands on the behaviours and data) into dichotomies of true/ of the satin bowerbird to explore the concept of collecting and displaying false, good/evil, beautiful/ugly, thereby Photograph F: Weaving the Research “the bluest of trophies” and building rejecting purposefully the negative and Bowers embracing the positive to entice my research “bowers”. The behaviours of a satin bowerbird were juxtaposed audience. To consolidate the metaphor: Photograph F: Weaving (Figure 3) with the research paradigms and I “acted” like I was “seeing through the represents “The Research Bower”. home economics principles to explain eyes of a satin bowerbird” (researcher’s Figure 4 is a visual representation connection points and relationships perspective), collecting the “bluest of how I saw the theoretical and between the concepts. of trophies” and “weaving” (theory, methodological concepts of the thesis methodology, data, analysis) for the represented in a U-shaped bower It will be recalled that bower is the purpose of constructing a bower or formation. I persisted with the U shape preparation phase before mating “avenue to view” (thesis manuscript) the because it matched the metaphor. I and nesting. The metaphor refers to research and research outcomes. This am a visual person and interpreted home economics education as the description aligns with a number of “the bower” in a literal sense to display preparation phase before young people Schmitt’s (2005) parameters for using the “bluest of trophies”. Concepts become adults and then set up a home metaphor in qualitative research. were woven together and used for raising a family. How well young as “an avenue to view” the research people are prepared will determine the topics. The phrase “avenue to view” long‑term success of the home and

Page 16 Victorian Journal of Home Economics Volume 54 Number 1 2015 family relationships. What ornaments as a researcher and home economist. 3 describes how I perceived there to be are necessary? What characteristics What skills do I need to acquire for my similarities between the satin bowerbird, does my potential mate need to offer professions? What are the tools that I home economics and the bricolage me? How can I keep myself healthy? The need to master? How can I present this approach. metaphor also relates to my actions research to entice the audience? Table

Table 3: Characteristics of the satin bowerbird and conceptualised relationships with home economics and the research approach

Satin Bowerbird Home Economics Bricolage Approach

Sites and Contexts: weaving Weaving of pine needles Contexts: weaving of interdisciplinary knowledges interdisciplinary knowledges, text to and twigs produce research report

Preparing human beings for life participation, Bower Avenue to view and evaluate research bodies of knowledge

Nest Home, everyday life, family, community Successful impact of research

Interdisciplinary knowledges, competing Interdisciplinary, transdisciplinary, Stealing / Raiding and complimentary methodologies, multidisciplinary knowledges. personal experiences

Awareness of patriarchal dominance Awareness of traditional and non-traditional Male/Female roles and its influences on home economics, gender roles journalism, academia

Essential essence, absolutely necessary, Trophies, ornaments and Essential essence, best practice, absolutely intrinsic qualities, strengths of philosophy, decorations necessary, intrinsic qualities, strengths theory, methodology, data sources and digital artefacts

Focuses on aesthetic detail Focus on home economics as a visionary and Visual representation of the research and for success social reform discipline bricolage approach

Morals, ethics, personal and professional Honesty Morals, ethics, personal and professional honesty honesty, subjectivity, truth

Service to home economics, academia Service to others, multitasking, planning, project Hard working and society, consultation and implementation dissemination

Historical foundations of science, Bower platform Strong historical foundations philosophy, home economics and spiritual health and well-being

Essential essence, including individuals, IBR, globalisation, cross-cultural, families and communities, natural and human home economics, sites for production, Habitat made environments, education for sustainable recontextualisation and reproduction of development, citizenship, home economics discourse, pages of this thesis communities

Dominated by big history, individualism, Predators consumerism, fear, raided by other disciplines, Instability and uncertainty taken for granted, competitor disciplines

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Was the satin bowerbird bricolage metaphor effective? analysis of online survey data and email interviews; and 8) the essential essence of spiritual health and wellbeing in home economics (Figure 5), which represented the key insights of the study. Through many seasons and attempts to create an “optimal” bower, it was a mature satin bowerbird that constructed the final research bower (Figure 5). Each phase of construction informed the next attempt. Each of the concepts woven into the walls and that adorn the entrance of the Research Bower VIII displayed in Figure 5 have their own specialised meanings. For example, glocal is a word specific to the home economics discipline which means local and global contexts taken together (International Federation for Home Economics, 2009). The purpose of Figure 5 is to demonstrate one of the outcomes of the whole SBB process. It is beyond the scope of this current paper to expand on the specialised discourses contained in Figure 5; they are the subject of continuing research (see Deagon & Pendergast, 2014). The bowers and trophies represented quality-identifiers. As previously explained, the male satin bowerbird uses his instincts and available material to construct a bower. He then collects, and sometimes steals from other bowerbirds, bright blue trophies to decorate the entrance of the bower. The sole purpose of bower construction Figure 5: Research outcome represented visually as Research Bower VIII: essential and collection of trophies is to entice essence of spiritual health and well-being in home economics a mate. The female satin bowerbird assesses the honesty and quality of the The “bower” metaphor was useful if In total, eight research bowers male satin bowerbird by inspecting the treated like an “avenue to view” the (see examples of research bowers bower and discerning the quality of the concepts. The SBB was conceived presented in Figures 4 and 5) were blue ornaments. Constructing the bower through a complex process of critical constructed and displayed in the thesis and selecting appropriate ornaments self-examination and navigation of and included: 1) the theoretical and which finally lead to successful mating qualitative paradigms, epistemology, methodological paradigms (Figure 4); are an activity perfected over time. ontology, methodology, bricolage, 2) the satin bowerbird bricolage; 3) As each breeding season passes, a metaphor, and the use of creative typology of digital data; 4) an overview more competent bower is constructed. devices to report research. of a “big history” approach to spiritual Following this explanation, utilising Metaphorically likened to a satin discourses; 5) spiritual discourse the satin bowerbird metaphor in my bowerbird learning to construct a bower, located in early home economics texts research was useful for explaining my each research bower constructed for (1901–1915); 6) spiritual discourse research behaviours and actions. the study informed a more confident located in middle years of home weaving of the next research bower. economics texts (1923–1992); 7) Acting as the satin bowerbird, I did not I constructed a number of research home economists’ perceptions about roam from my defined territory. The bowers to display “the bluest of spiritual health and well-being in concepts that guided the study were: trophies” for the pages of the thesis. home economics resulting from an radical constructivism, liquid-qualitative research environment, bricolage,

Page 18 Victorian Journal of Home Economics Volume 54 Number 1 2015 spirituality and home economics. The period. This data contributed to the wall References research was contained within the construction of Research Bower VIII: confines of each bower which was essential essence of spiritual health and Adams St. Pierre, E. (2011). Post constructed consistently using some well-being in home economics (Figure Qualitative Research: the Critique and instinct which determined that the 5) where the bluest of trophy words the Coming After. In N. Denzin & Y. same building materials were situated and phrases (specialised discourses) Lincoln (Eds.), The SAGE Handbook on the same firm ground and known adorned the entrance to the bower. This of Qualitative Research (4th ed., pp. territory: the theoretical framework gradual process of collecting, sorting, 611–625). Los Angeles: SAGE. and the method. The satin bowerbird, weaving and placement of concepts, Banks, M. (2005). Visual Methods tentatively at first, then boldly, stepped themes, words and phrases ultimately in Social Research. London: SAGE away from its territory to steal led to the research outcome: the Publications Ltd. from competitors: interdisciplinary Essential Essence of Spiritual Health and knowledge and an ecological approach. Wellbeing in Home Economics Model Bauman, Z. (2011). Liquid Times: Living The bluest trophies in the bowers were (see Deagon, 2013, p. 329–331). To in an Age of Uncertainty. Cambridge, selected from data collected from this effect, the SBB was found to be a UK: Polity Press. an online survey; email interviews; useful and effective tool for maintaining Bauman, Z. (2012). Liquid Modernity. historical text from an online database; a prolonged focus on the topics and Cambridge: Polity Press. and monitoring of online digital explaining researcher behaviours. artefacts on the internet for a two-year Bernstein, B. (2000). Pedagogy, Symbolic Control and Identity: theory, research, critique (Revised ed.). Conclusion Oxford, England: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc. The work described in this article demonstrates the complexity of individualised researcher realities. Considerable time was spent conceptualising the theoretical Berry, D. (2005). Methodological lenses and the satin bowerbird bricolage concepts in order to sufficiently Pitfalls in the Study of Religiosity and address the aims of the research project. The six phase research navigation Spirituality. Western Journal of Nursing method (engaging, selecting, focusing, refining, defining and weaving) was useful. Research, 27(5), 628–647. Kincheloe (2005) reminded me that the researcher-as-bricoleur maintains focus on Best, R. (2000). Empathy, Experience complexity. Another satin bowerbird (another researcher) will construct a different and SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and suite of research bowers to explore similar and/or different aspects of the same Cultural Education). Pastoral Care in subject material. This is the nature of a bricoleur working in a liquid-qualitative Education, 18(4), 8–18. research environment. Qualitative research environments, spirituality and spiritual experiences are living processes defined within the cultural entities within which Bezemer, J., & Jewitt, C. (2010). the individual is situated. Characterising spirituality and spiritual contexts is also Multimodal Analysis: Key Issues. In L. a living process where big history, present times and possible futures have, do Litosseliti (Ed.), Research Methods in and will continue to influence recontextualisation and reproduction of meaning. Linguistics (p. 180–197): Contiuum. Personal and researcher thought processes contribute to locating relationships and Bezemer, J., & Mavers, D. (2011). connections between ranges of fluid research constructs. There are many more Multimodal transcription as academic contexts yet to be studied through the eyes of a satin bowerbird. An implication practice: a social semiotic perspective. of the satin bowerbird bricolage is that the qualitative research academy has an International Journal of Social Research additional useful metaphor for explaining the purposeful and selective behaviours of Methodology, 14(3), 191–206. researchers because “acting-like” a satin bowerbird is, essentially, what researchers do instinctively in the course of their everyday work – select and display the “bluest Blake, N. (1996). Against Spiritual of trophies” or “the best bits” of their research in order to entice and captivate an Education. Oxford Review of Education, audience. 22(4), 443–456. Bouissac, P. (2000). Can semiotics progress? The American Journal of Semiotics, 15/16(1–4), 7–26. Charmaz, K. (2006). Constructing Grounded Theory. London: SAGE Publications Ltd. Cohen, L., & Manion, L. (1994). Research methods in education (4th ed.). London, UK: Croom Helm Ltd.

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Page 20 Victorian Journal of Home Economics Volume 54 Number 1 2015 Marples, R. (2006). Against (the a Vital Aspect of Human Development. Author’s biography use of the term) ‘spiritual education’. American Psychologist, 66(1), 58–64. International Journal of Children’s Dr Jay Deagon is a sessional academic Pendergast, D. (1999). Re-thinking Spirituality, 11(2), 293–306. with Griffith University and adjunct home economics: from modern to research fellow with the Griffith Institute McGregor, S. L. T. (2011). Home postmodern accounts of pedagogical for Education Research in Brisbane, economics as an integrated, holistic bodies. Queensland University of Australia. With a Bachelor of Education system: revisiting Bubolz and Sontag’s Technology, Brisbane. majoring in home economics and health 1988 human ecology approach. Radford, M. (2006). Spirituality and education, Jay also completed a MEd International Journal of Consumer education; inner and outer realities. by original research in 2009, and was Studies, 35(1), 26–34. International Journal of Children’s awarded her PhD from Griffith University McGregor, S. L. T., & Chesworth, N. Spirituality, 11(3), 385–396. in 2014. Her research interests include (2005). Positioning human spirituality in locating shared meaning for spiritual Reid, J.-A. (1997). Disciplining data: home economics. Journal of the HEIA, health and wellbeing with a focus on Power and practice in educational 12(3), p. 27–44. home economics, human ecology, and research. The Australian Educational family and consumer science. Jay was McGregor, S.L.T, Pendergast, D., Seniuk, Researcher, 24(3), 57–82. recently appointed to the Editorial E., Eghan, F., & Engberg, L. (2008). Schmitt, R. (2005). Systematic Board of the International Journal for Choosing our future: Ideologies matter metaphor analysis as a method of Home Economics. She administers in the home economics profession. qualitative research. The Qualitative an international social network called International Journal of Home Report, 10(2), 358–394. HomeEcConnect that promotes home Economics, 1(1), 43–62. economics education as a vehicle Silverman, D. (2006). Interpreting McInerney, D. M., & McInerney, V. for empowering individuals, families qualitative data: methods for analysing (2006). Educational psychology: and communities to make ethical and talk, text and interaction (3rd ed.). constructing learning. New South Wales: sustainable consumer choices. London: Sage Publications. Pearson Education Australia. Silverman, D. (2010). What is naturally O’Mara, J., Beavis, C., & Deagon, J. occurring data? [electronic resource]. (2010). Gaming at the ACMI Gameslab: SAGE Research Methods. Thousand Issues in attending to game play. Oaks, USA: SAGE. Paper presented at the Australian Association for Research in Education Strauss, A., & Corbin, J. (1990). Basic International Research Conference, of qualitative research: grounded theory University of Melbourne, November 29 – procedures and techniques. United December 2, 2010. Kingdom: Sage Publications, Inc. O’Connell, K. A., & Skevington, S. M. Tacey, D. (2003). The spirituality (2007). To measure or not to measure? revolution: the emergence of Reviewing the assessment of spirituality contemporary spirituality. Australia: and religion in health-related quality of HarperCollinsPublishers. life. Chronic Illness, 3(1), 77–87. Thouless, R. (1961). Straight and O’Halloran, K. (2008). Systemic Crooked Thinking (5th ed.). London: Pan functional-multimodal discourse Books Ltd. analysis (SF-MDA): constructing Turkki, K. (2012). Home ideational meaning using language and Economics – a forum for global learning visual imagery. Visual Communication, and responsible living. In D. Pendergast, 7(4), 443–475. S. McGregor & K. Turkki (Eds.), The Paradis, V. J. (2013, May 11, Next 100 Years – Creating Home 2013). Correcting some common Economics futures (p. 38–51). Brisbane: misconceptions surrounding Joe Australia Academic Press. Kincheloe’s bricolage and critical von Glaserfeld, E. (1995). Radical complex theories Retrieved 16 October, Constructivism: A way of knowing and 2014, from www.joekincheloe.us learning. London: The Falmer Press. Pargament, K. I., & Sweeney, P. J. Weedon, C. (1987). Feminist practice (2011). Building Spiritual Fitness in and poststrucutural theory. Oxford: the Army: An Innovative Approach to Basil Blackwell Ltd.

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