From ‘difference’ to complexity in men and masculinity studies: exploring research methods

Abstract

The subject of this article is a critical view on methodology when researching ‘difference’ in men and masculinity studies. My concern is the risk of (re)producing the same differences that we in our research aim to challenge. I argue for a complexity perspective that implies a challenge to substantiate the messiness of realities through our methods. Using a research project of fatherhood among ‘ethnic minority’ men in Norway as the starting point, I ask how we can research ‘difference’ without (re)producing dichotomies and discuss this question by exploring my own research method. I argue that reflecting on method is a way to move from ‘difference’ to complexity in our research, and call for more contributions from men and masculinity scholars on this methodological issue.