How is knowledge produced and what kind of knowledge is made (in)visible in research? Is there a ‘feminist methodology’? How does the own background and context affect research? What kind of power relations occur when conducting research field work? These questions do influence the process of conducting research and the choice of methods in various ways.
The seminar provides theoretical and practical knowledge on feminist methodologies and research approaches including epistemological critiques and debates. In the first part of the course we will discuss what kind of criticism feminist scholars have raised of mainstream methods and what alternative methods have been developed. Moreover, qualitative and participatory research methods such as expert interviews, focus groups, walk-alongs or mappings will be introduced. The role of ethics and responsibility in research will be discussed. These topics will be illustrated with selected empirical examples from the field of agrifood-studies.
In the second part of the course students will conceptualize, plan and perform a small, collaborative research project and selected methods will be tested. These projects should be conducted with a focus on urban food practices, gender relations and/or intersectionality. |
