A feminist in the forest: Situated knowledges and mixing methods in natural resource management

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2003
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Abstract

This article is based on the context of situated knowledges - that there is no one truth out there to be uncovered, therefore, all knowledge is partial and linked to the contexts in which it is created. The paper presents and discusses mixing research methods and analysis from an epistemological and methodological perspective. To highlight the discussion the author uses examples from forest research in Nepal that used mixed ecological oral history with aerial photo interpretation. By using different methods feminists can highlight that hegemonic representations are insufficient to understand land cover change. This approach of mixing methods is vital for those concerned with issues of power, positionality and hegemony. The paper highlights that the most important aspect is not if the method is feminist or not, but if it is inclusive of the notion of different knowledges. The author calls for the use of mixing methods as a way to influence policy and development circles where positivist, statistical scientific research continues to be dominant.

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Keywords
Women, Natural resource management, Gender, Men, Forestry, Community development, Situated knowledge, Nepal, Mixed methods, Geography
Citation
ACME: An International E-Journal for Critical Geographies 2(1): 77-90