Sharlene Nagy Hesse-Biber on Feminist Research: PART 2

Summary

This transcript explores the complexities of feminist research, focusing on the concepts of positionality, reflexivity, and the integration of feminist principles into various research methods. It emphasizes how identity factors like gender, race, and class shape research perspectives, and how understanding power dynamics is key in feminist studies. The conversation also highlights the value of both qualitative and quantitative methods in feminist research, advocating for a nuanced approach that considers cultural and social contexts. Ultimately, it challenges traditional notions of objectivity, encouraging a more inclusive and reflexive approach to academic inquiry.

Takeaways

• 😀 Men can be subjects of feminist study and can participate in feminist research, but reflexivity and understanding of positionality are essential.
• 😀 Positionality in research is fluid, and one's position of power or oppression can shift depending on context, such as in relation to gender, class, or ethnicity.
• 😀 Researchers may have commonalities with their subjects, but these shared characteristics don't always guarantee a harmonious or neutral interaction.
• 😀 Understanding 'insider' and 'outsider' positions in research is flexible and context-dependent; power dynamics can shift throughout the research process.
• 😀 Reflexivity is a key principle in feminist research, emphasizing the researcher's self-awareness of their own biases and social position.
• 😀 The feminist label can be stigmatized, even though feminist principles are often used in research without being explicitly acknowledged.
• 😀 Feminism in research can integrate various methods, including quantitative approaches, but always with a focus on power, difference, and context.
• 😀 Feminist research asks critical questions about systemic issues such as gender, violence, and power imbalances across different social groups.
• 😀 The use of quantitative methods, such as surveys, is compatible with feminist research when it is framed to highlight power dynamics and social disparities.
• 😀 The concept of violence can be understood differently across cultures, which highlights the need for reflexivity and cultural sensitivity in research definitions.

Q & A

Can men be feminists?

Yes, men can be feminists. The concept of feminism is about advocating for equality and challenging patriarchal systems, which anyone, regardless of gender, can support.

Can men be subjects of feminist study?

Yes, men can be subjects of feminist study. Feminism is not just about women; it is about understanding how gender and power dynamics affect all genders.

Can women interview men in feminist research, and vice versa?

Yes, women can interview men, and men can interview women in feminist research. However, the research process should be grounded in strong objectivity, acknowledging power dynamics and positionality.

What is the concept of positionality in feminist research?

Positionality refers to the idea that an individual's social identity (e.g., gender, race, class) influences their perspective and how they relate to others in a research context. This can shift depending on the setting, such as gender or class becoming more relevant in certain situations.

What role do commonalities play in feminist research?

Commonalities, such as shared interests or social class, can facilitate understanding and communication between the researcher and participant. However, the dynamics of positionality should always be considered, as these commonalities may not always be sufficient in every context.

How does the concept of the 'stranger phenomenon' relate to feminist research?

The 'stranger phenomenon' suggests that people may share more intimate or personal details with someone they perceive as an outsider, as they believe they won't be judged or seen again. This can influence how individuals disclose information in interviews or research settings.

Why might someone be hesitant to label themselves a feminist in academic research?

Some individuals may feel that identifying as a feminist could lead to negative consequences, such as being marginalized or viewed as a 'pariah.' Feminism is still a controversial label for some, especially in academic contexts where it may be misunderstood or associated with extreme views.

Can feminist principles be applied to quantitative research?

Yes, feminist principles can be integrated into quantitative research. For example, a feminist perspective might lead a researcher to examine patterns of violence against women across various social groups, addressing intersectionality and questioning assumptions about the universality of such issues.

How might feminist researchers approach the study of violence against women in a global context?

A feminist researcher might explore the prevalence of violence against women globally by using quantitative methods to identify rates across different demographics. They may also investigate why violence is more prevalent in certain regions or among specific groups and consider the intersectionality of class, race, and culture.

How does the issue of cultural bias impact feminist research, especially in cross-cultural contexts?

Cultural bias can affect how violence and other social issues are defined and understood. For example, what constitutes violence may vary across cultures. Feminist researchers need to be mindful of these biases when conceptualizing and measuring issues in cross-cultural research to avoid imposing one culture's definitions on others.