Mind the Gap (or Mending It): Qualitative Research and Interdisciplinarity in Kinesiology

Abstract

This article addresses the perceived gap between the humanities and social sciences, and the sciences in kinesiology faculties and departments as interdisciplinary pressures mount in an increasingly complex world. I use an historical lens to highlight past difficulties in working across the two solitudes and describe Stephen Jay Gould's efforts to mend the gap. Likening the humanities to the cunning fox and science to the persistent hedgehog, he argued that with care the two seeming opposites can be unified. I discuss how kinesiologists might follow his advice in developing more fertile collaborative interdisciplinary approaches in research, teaching, and professional training and provide some suggestions for mechanisms that might enhance the benefits of working together to bridge the divide. I conclude that we had better seek productive ways—in mutual respect and frequent conversations—to stick together in our broad and useful diversity.