Sociology
Journal of Politics and Law; Vol. 5, No. 4; 2012
ISSN 1913-9047
E-ISSN 1913-9055
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education
A Critique on Feminist Research Methodology
Basharat Hussain1 & Amir Zada Asad1
1
Institute of Social Work, Sociology and Gender Studies, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Correspondence: Basharat Hussain, Institute of Social Work, Sociology and Gender Studies, University of
Peshawar, Pakistan. E-mail: basharat04@yahoo.com
Received: September 12, 2012 doi:10.5539/jpl.v5n4p202 Accepted: October 25, 2012
Online Published: November 29, 2012
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jpl.v5n4p202
Abstract
In almost all advanced countries of the world, the discourse about the existence or other wise of a feminist research methodology has been live at least for the last few decades. There are argument in favour of and against the existence of such a methodology to be called “Feminist” and its validity. This article criticizes the arguments made by feminist research methodology and maintains that these claims do not establish it as a coherent and cogent mode of inquiry distinct from other non-feminist research methods.
Keywords: feminist research, gender, women’s empowerment, qualitative research, women experiences
1. Introduction
Feminism refers to the belief and claim that women should have the same rights, powers and opportunities as men. Feminist approach argues that women suffer more than men, are more poor than men and are discriminated in all welfare policies. Based on these assumptions feminists argue that women are not truly represented in studies and researches and are pursuing a distinct methodology of research they call it ‘Feminist’. They claim to have specialized research methods and techniques but the opponent say these methods of research already existed and were in vogue and have nothing to do with feminists.
The feminists have long been trying to answer the question of ‘what constitutes
ISSN 1913-9047
E-ISSN 1913-9055
Published by Canadian Center of Science and Education
A Critique on Feminist Research Methodology
Basharat Hussain1 & Amir Zada Asad1
1
Institute of Social Work, Sociology and Gender Studies, University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Correspondence: Basharat Hussain, Institute of Social Work, Sociology and Gender Studies, University of
Peshawar, Pakistan. E-mail: basharat04@yahoo.com
Received: September 12, 2012 doi:10.5539/jpl.v5n4p202 Accepted: October 25, 2012
Online Published: November 29, 2012
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.5539/jpl.v5n4p202
Abstract
In almost all advanced countries of the world, the discourse about the existence or other wise of a feminist research methodology has been live at least for the last few decades. There are argument in favour of and against the existence of such a methodology to be called “Feminist” and its validity. This article criticizes the arguments made by feminist research methodology and maintains that these claims do not establish it as a coherent and cogent mode of inquiry distinct from other non-feminist research methods.
Keywords: feminist research, gender, women’s empowerment, qualitative research, women experiences
1. Introduction
Feminism refers to the belief and claim that women should have the same rights, powers and opportunities as men. Feminist approach argues that women suffer more than men, are more poor than men and are discriminated in all welfare policies. Based on these assumptions feminists argue that women are not truly represented in studies and researches and are pursuing a distinct methodology of research they call it ‘Feminist’. They claim to have specialized research methods and techniques but the opponent say these methods of research already existed and were in vogue and have nothing to do with feminists.
The feminists have long been trying to answer the question of ‘what constitutes
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