Feminist Methods of Research

Feminist thinkers have changed

– Theory about oppression, power, inequality– Connection between scholarship and activism

– Challenged our assumptions about research and the creation of knowledge

• Questions asked• Interpretations• Use of research• Written text

Feminist Research- Terms

Connection of theory and methods

Epistemology- theory of knowledge– (roles, ethics, interpretation, assumptions)

Methodology- theory and analysis of how research should proceed

Methods- techniques for gathering data

Change in how we conceptualize research (begins in 1970s) Modern/positivist

Measurement, prediction

Deduction- general to specific (based on laws, rules

Truth, verifiable reality

Objectivity of researcher

Postmodern/ Postpositivist

Experience, description

Induction (specific to general)

Multiple truths of experience

Subjectivity of researcher

Feminist Research

Part of the change towards postmodern/postpositivist wave of research in 1970s

Starting point: Neglect of women’s perspectives and

experiences in production of knowledge Making women central to research as

researchers and as subjects

Feminist Research Ask research questions from a woman’s point

of view Challenging the universality of scientific fact

or truth Challenging sexism, racism, class, and

colonialism in research process– Representing diversity

Breaking down power imbalance between researcher and researched (self-reflexive)

Emancipatory and liberatory goals– Social change