NCJ Number
165381
Date Published
1996
Length
8 pages
Annotation
This paper outlines the meanings of the values of "mutuality" and "radical egalitarianism" in feminist research and then examines the implications of these values for feminist, activist research in which the author has been involved.
Abstract
By "mutuality," feminist researchers refer to the possibilities for relationships between researcher and subject based on common experiences. "Radical egalitarianism" demands the elimination of differences, particularly differences in power, between researchers and subjects. The author assesses how these values may be applied in a Participatory Action Research process with a group of adolescent mothers who are exploring the links between gender and violence in young mothers' lives. Consistent with feminist approaches to research, this model aims to combine investigation and action. It promotes equitable and respectful practice relations, as researcher and researched become co-participants in a process of social transformation. Although this model offers opportunities for equity and empowerment in the research process, over time the author has identified some questions about the limits of the ideals of mutuality and radical egalitarianism; for example, research participants do not always desire mutuality between themselves and the researcher. Further, participants may resist the development of mutuality between researcher and researched, since the sense of unique group identity among participants can be important in the empowerment process. Also, an apparent problem with the radical egalitarian ideal is that any sign of researcher power or difference can be viewed as a threat to equity. When taken to its extreme, the radical egalitarian stance can become a damaging source of tension between researcher and researched. 30 references