Qualitative Research: An Introduction to Methods and Designs

Guiding Principles of Feminist Research

Critiques of positivism prompted feminist scholars to develop alternative paradigms or ways of knowing, different conceptual frameworks to explain phenomena (theories), different rationales and approaches to direct how research should proceed (methodologies), new techniques for gathering data (methods), and innovative forms to disseminate knowledge (representation). Feminist researchers pose varied questions about the social world and mobilize diverse philosophies, theories, methodologies, and methods to gather information and create knowledge.

Across these diverse approaches, feminist researchers generally share a philosophical stance that differs fundamentally from that of positivists: feminists hold ...