FEMINIST METHODOLOGY

FEMINIST METHODOLOGY

1. MALESTREAM

   • many fem critical much soc for being malestream, most research based men/produced theories about men, research findings all male samples generalised whole pop, issues concern women often excluded/seen unimportant, eh how women exp fam life - this allowed uncover triple shift and issues love & intimacy, existing sociology only really focussed soc class rather other variables eg sex/gender - key Qs ignored, fem argue RM masculine and follow scientific modl

2. FEM METH

   • argues distinctly masculine model interviewing, involves maintaining distance from interviewees ensure don't too involved/lose detachment or objectivity, interviewees seen subject study have passive role, role interviewer merely uncover facts, masculine model aim produce reliable data replicated/checked
   • Oakley argues fem model interviewing drawn own experiences interviewing women on becoming mother, interviewees not passive but collaborative friends, interviews informal often involve helping women daily lives eg housework/daycare, interviewer shares own experiences, interviewees should given opp become involved offer insights/info, Oakley gave advice to women, attempted change lives and empower them, argues by doing research this way allows researcher see world their perspective
   • method tries to : focus women's individual exps, reduce power/control of researcher, empower respondent and make them collaborator, change women's lives

3. CRITICISMS

   • some ask if anything new/unique about approach compared interpretivism and UIs, byt fem defend methodology because aims be collaborative/empowering/lifechanging - not just about soc scientists and policy makers

4. OAKLEY

   • look at exp becoming mother mod British soc, this point gender most impact woman's life, interest is both academic and personal - not claim objectivity choice topic, discusses own exps childbirth at length
   • prior main research 6 months obs London hosp from which chose sample, study intensive interviews 66 women, sample selected make gen points about 1st time motherhood therefore certain groups excluded - one hosp = lack representativeness
   • conducted all research herself open Qs encouraged interviewees discuss feelings fully eg did you want baby/feelings when first held baby, majority text consists women talking, also presents simplified stats identify gen patterns (MP) Oakley argues interview inevitably reactive research tool which can change reality, Oakley answered Qs two way process, 73% felt influences exp becoming mother