Interdisciplinary Thinking as Resistance
TL;DR: Interdisciplinary thinkers often face resistance from institutions that prioritize specialization, but the ability to connect ideas across disciplines is not a weakness—it’s a strength. From Björk’s genre-defying artistry to Donald Glover’s multi-hyphenate career and Jonas Mekas’ avant-garde cinema, history proves that those who refuse to be boxed in shape the future. It’s time to reclaim intellectual space, build supportive communities, and push for a world that values adaptability over rigid expertise.
Traditional institutions thrive on specialization. The expectation is clear: stay in your lane, master one discipline, follow the rules. There’s a comfort in this structure—it’s predictable, measurable, and easy to categorize. But what happens when you refuse to be boxed in? When your skill set, intellectual curiosity, and creative drive demand a broader, more fluid approach? When the walls designed to contain knowledge feel less like guidance and more like a cage?
For many, interdisciplinary thinking is seen as a flaw, a lack of commitment, or an inability to focus. You hear it in subtle dismissals: “You’re spreading yourself too thin.” “You need to specialize to be taken seriously.” “Pick one thing and master it.” These statements aren’t just advice; they are boundaries meant to keep people in their designated roles.
“But what if those boundaries are outdated? What if they are holding back innovation and creative expression?”
The Fear of the Generalist
At its core, resistance to interdisciplinary thinking is about power. Institutions—whether in academia, corporate environments, or creative industries—rely on rigid expertise and hierarchy to maintain control. Specialists fit neatly into a structure that can be measured, ranked, and rewarded. But an interdisciplinary mind disrupts this system. It sees patterns across disciplines, makes connections others might miss, and challenges the existing order of knowledge. This isn’t just inconvenient; it’s threatening to those invested in maintaining traditional pathways.
Look at the world’s most influential thinkers—Leonardo da Vinci, whose mind moved effortlessly between art and engineering; Maya Deren, who revolutionized cinema by merging dance, psychology, and anthropology; or more recently, someone like Björk, who seamlessly blends music, fashion, technology, and digital art to create immersive and genre-defying experiences. Donald Glover, known for his work as a musician, actor, writer, and director, defies categorization in entertainment, while Jonas Mekas pioneered experimental cinema by merging film, poetry, and archival storytelling. These individuals refuse to stay in one discipline because doing so would mean sacrificing the breadth of their vision.
Yet, their journeys were not met with open arms. Da Vinci was often ridiculed for being too scattered. Deren struggled to secure funding and institutional backing because her work didn’t fit neatly into any one category. Björk has often been misunderstood for her unconventional projects, Glover has faced industry skepticism for his refusal to stay in one medium, and Mekas built his career outside mainstream cinema due to his avant-garde approach. Their struggles reflect a larger issue: The system resists those who don’t fit neatly within it.
The Resistance You Face
I see firsthand how interdisciplinary thinkers are met with resistance in academia and creative industries. In higher education, my approach to teaching, rooted in interdisciplinary exploration and media innovation, is often met with skepticism. The expectation is to follow a conventional curriculum, reinforcing the same rigid structures that have existed for years. But I push boundaries—introducing new methodologies, bridging disciplines, and encouraging students to think beyond institutional frameworks.
That mindset is seen as disruptive. It isn’t enough to be effective in the classroom; I am expected to conform to an unspoken hierarchy where seniority and tradition dictate credibility. My ability to move fluidly between disciplines—integrating sound design, film theory, and emerging media—is not celebrated as an asset but treated as a deviation from the norm. I am often told to “stay in my lane” or that my approach is too unconventional.
The resistance isn’t just about pedagogy—it’s about power. Academia thrives on gatekeeping, and anyone who challenges the established order is seen as a threat. I’m not just introducing new ideas; I’m questioning why things are done a certain way, and that makes people uncomfortable. I see how innovation is often stifled by those who feel their authority might be diminished by change.
For many creatives, the need to work across disciplines isn’t a choice—it’s survival. A filmmaker today must understand social media marketing. A musician must know production, branding, and digital distribution. A journalist is expected to be proficient in video, podcasting, and written storytelling. The lines have blurred, not because people are unfocused, but because the world demands adaptability. Yet, institutions continue to enforce outdated narratives that suggest mastery of one field is the only path to success.
Reclaiming Your Intellectual Space
So, how do we push back against these limiting structures? How do we assert interdisciplinary thought as not only legitimate but essential? The first step is recognizing that the ability to move between disciplines is a strength, not a weakness.
Redefine Expertise on Your Terms
Expertise is not about fitting into a pre-defined mold; it’s about deep knowledge and execution, regardless of how many disciplines it spans. If your skill set bridges multiple areas, own it. Stop apologizing for not fitting into a narrow definition of expertise. Your ability to synthesize knowledge across fields is valuable and often more innovative than siloed thinking.
Find or Build Your Community
When institutions don’t create spaces for interdisciplinary work, build your own. The rise of digital platforms has allowed boundary-pushing creatives to connect across the world. Whether through online forums, collectives, or niche conferences, surround yourself with people who see value in what you do. If the spaces you need don’t exist, create them.
Use Interdisciplinary Thinking as Leverage
Instead of fighting to be accepted by rigid structures, find ways to leverage your broad skill set. Employers, clients, and collaborators increasingly seek individuals who can think across disciplines. Use this to your advantage. If a traditional institution won’t recognize your value, pivot towards environments that do—startups, independent projects, or entrepreneurial ventures often reward interdisciplinary approaches.
Document and Share Your Process
One of the best ways to legitimize interdisciplinary thinking is to show its impact. Share case studies, document your projects, and write about how your ability to connect fields leads to better outcomes. The more people see interdisciplinary work in action, the harder it becomes to dismiss.
“If you’ve faced resistance for thinking beyond a single discipline, it’s not because you’re unfocused—it’s because you’re ahead of the curve.”
The Future is Interdisciplinary
Interdisciplinary thought leaders will be the true masters of AI, using it not just as a tool, but as an extension of human ingenuity. The next evolution of education, film, and business will be driven by those who understand how to integrate technology, creativity, and critical thinking to reshape industries. In education, interdisciplinary minds will redefine learning by merging AI-driven personalization with human-centered pedagogy. In film, directors and producers who leverage AI and virtual production will craft immersive storytelling experiences that were once unimaginable. In business and healthcare, those who bridge data science, ethics, and innovation will create transformative solutions that shift economies and culture on a massive scale.
The future belongs to those who can think beyond rigid categories, who are unafraid to innovate across disciplines. The world is changing, and the leaders of tomorrow will be those who embrace adaptability and shape AI, media, and industry—not those who are bound by the past. The question is: will you be one of them?
Have you faced resistance for thinking beyond a single discipline? How have you navigated institutional pushback while staying true to your vision? Let’s keep this conversation going.
