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AbstractThis paper reflects on theory evolution from the perspective of considering the role that complexity science might have in social theorizing and research. We assume that just as human society is complex, dynamic, interdependent, and with future states emerging with reference to complex histories, so too are human explanations and theories. With reference to a complexity approach to postmodern ethnography, that of vortical postmodern ethnography, we make manifest the dynamic and interdependent nature of theory building, with human actor/observers and discourse evolution. We suggest that a complexity perspective on social research and theorizing may be most valuable for its role in bringing about alternative descriptions, rather than promoting certain interventions. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

AbstractThis paper discusses the insights and reflections that lead to the development of a methodology informed by working at the interface between systems thinking and complexity theory. This arose from three workshops held at the University of Western Sydney to address barriers to market access for poor livestock producers, as part of a project for FAO's Pro‐Poor Livestock Policy Initiative. The first full‐day workshop was based around systems thinking methods using a group model‐building approach. By the end of the workshop the group concluded that the issues were far too complex to be addressed satisfactorily with this approach. Complexity theory was proposed as a suitable way forward. The next two half‐day workshops used complexity thinking methods to come up with a set of attractors and a shared mental model, which provided greater insights into the problem issues. The paper concludes with the reflections gained from the workshop activities Copyright © 2006 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.