Feminist methodology: Challenges and choices

Abstract

This book guides and illustrates the inner workings and importance of feminist methodology. There are many assumptions in the modern age that feminism is "outdated" and "impractical", which is why this book strives to change this view by showing the importance of feminist methodology. This is demonstrated in several ways that tie together the political, theoretical, and practical aspects of feminist methodology. One way is by example and explanation of how feminist methodology has a distinct place in social research. Another demonstrates how the feminist approach to methodology differs in a way that can raise important questions in western philosophy's production of knowledge. Feminist methodology is also useful in connecting issues in fieldwork practice with issues of theory. A guide through the terrain of feminist methodology is presented in order to show the reader how feminists can obtain the knowledge of gendered life and use that knowledge to claim a gendered social existence. A clear review of feminist methodological issues and debates are explained, along with the explanation of the impact of choices and knowledge in the field. This book is most useful for students in women's studies, gender studies, cultural studies, sociology, feminist psychology and social anthropology.