Feminist Epistemology: The Foundation of Feminist Research and its Distinction from Traditional Research

Abstract

There are many questions surrounding feminist research. The most common question is: "What makesfeminist research distinctive from traditional research within the Social Sciences?" In trying to answerthis question, we need to examine feminist epistemology and the intertwining nature of epistemology,methodology (theory and analysis of how research should proceed), and methods (techniques forgathering data) utilized by feminist researchers. Feminist epistemology in contrast to traditionalepistemologies is the foundation on which feminist methodology is built. In turn, the research thatdevelops from this methodology differs greatly from research that develops from traditional methodologyand epistemology. Therefore, I argue that one must have a general understanding of feministepistemology and methodology before one can understand what makes this type of research unique. Sucha foundation will assist us in our exploration of the realm of feminist research, while illuminating thedifferences between feminist and traditional research.