Feminist methodology

This chapter explores the promise and practices of feminist methodologies. It begins by conceptually defining methodology and asking what may be feminist about ‘feminist methodologies’. Next, it considers how discussions of feminist methodology are situated within the field of International Relations and beyond. The chapter analyses four characteristics of feminist methodologies: (a) commitment to feminist curiosity; (b) the practice of reflexivity throughout the research process; (c) acknowledgement of the relational nature of research and (d) an attempt to notice and narrate care and joy alongside violence and injustice. The conclusion reflects on what feminist methodologies have in common with other critical approaches to world politics, as well as on the work feminist labels do for our understanding of self and research in the academy.