Methodology, feminism and gender violence

Abstract

In this edited collection members of the British Sociological Association’s Violence Against Women Study Group (the Group) draw on their experience to address key methodological questions and challenges that have arisen from the recent proliferation of research projects and government-funded initiatives on gender violence. This chapter provides the backdrop for this debate to unfold; paying particular attention to the changing contexts in which the Group now undertakes its research. There are three contexts that we felt were important to outline, address and review. The first is the development of law, policy and practice aimed at improving conditions for survivors. In this section we briefly highlight some of the important moments of the 1970s and 80s, before outlining the shifting set upon which politics and research around gender violence was played through the 1990s, including the Group’s optimism as New Labour came into power in 1997 and whether that budding potential has been fulfilled into the early 21st century. This leads to the second context, and a discussion of how government-sponsored research initiatives by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Violence Research Programme and the Home Office Crime Reduction Programme on Violence Against Women have impacted on feminist research in this field. The most substantial portion of this chapter is, however, dedicated to a reassessment of ‘feminist methodology’ in an attempt to ensure the continued high quality of feminist research on gender violence, and maintain and enhance its ability to shape debate and instigate positive change for survivors in the future.