- Describe each of the four methods outlined in Wambui’s article. Add “autoethnography” from the Ellis piece to this list and explain this method. Share your reflections about the podcast.
The four methods used to conduct feminist research are interviews, focus groups, case studies and discourse analysis. As well as auto-ethnography. Interviews but more importantly more specifically face-to-face semistructured interviews are used to collect high quality data. These interviews are conducted by using open ended questions in an informal manner. Focus groups are another method that can be used. There are two important key features used which are contextual and non-hierarchical method. The contextual method includes avoiding focusing on the individual devoid of social context or separating from interactions with other. The non-hierarchical method is the shift of the balance of power away from the researcher towards the research participants. The case study is a common qualitative method that allows multiple methods or triangulation and reflects an attempt to secure an in-depth understanding of a phenomenon in question. It will allow women to construct their own realities and arrives at their own truth based on their own life experiences and terms.There are multiple definitions of discourse analysis. One is by Michel Foucault which says that it is both reflect and shape the way we experience and interpret the world around us, and consequently the way we act upon it. There is also a definition by Hajer and Fairclough. Each definition includes the interpretations of the world and society. Auto-ethnography is the approach to research and writing that searches to describe and systematically analyze personal experience in order to understand cultural experience.
I think the podcast was very interesting. Last semester I wrote a research paper on violence agents transgendered people. I wanted to right specifically about violence against black transgenders. This podcast was very informative, liberation and it was kind of like a self confidence builder. When she spoke about having self-confidence and knowing yourself that was definitely something that everyone can look up to. Because she is right nobody can smack it out of you in your strongly rooted within yourself. I agree that trans people should work outside in build their own power. Assimilation did not help during any period of change movement. It did not build the black community it brought us down. I think assimilation is just giving in. overall I really enjoyed the podcast this definitely a podcast that I would add to my list to listen to.
- Discuss each method in relationship to your final project ideas– if you had the time and resources you would need: is the method appropriate? How would you use this method to do your research? Who would your participants/subjects be? And, if the method is not a good fit, why not? This is only a thought experiment — you are not committing to any methods here
If I had the time, I believe that I would us interviews to figure out other people’s point of view on the topic. People who are not in college, younger teens, adults and the elderly. I would get a wide range of data to see how society views such an important yet sensitive topic. Focus groups are also another method that I would use. I would use the contextual method because that removes the level of social context and engagement. People of all ethnicities, races and sexuality would be welcome to the focus groups. Case studies are something that I would look at to gather statistic to back up my viewpoint as well as counter claims.
Hey Alyssa! I thought the podcast was very interesting also. I knew that somehow it would be much harder for black transgenders being accepted into society and how it’ll harder for them when it come to the essentials, but I didn’t know the extent of it until I heard about it in the podcast. But also you’re right, assimilation is bringing the black community down, not up. And if we keep letting it bring us down, then there will no salvaging what’s left. And I think case studies and doing interviews are a great way to gather data especially when it’s about society being a sensitive topic. But I can’t wait to see your project when it’s done.
Good discussion — one thing to keep in mind is that feminist researchers are often arguing that we SHOULD consider context, or the social conditions we live in + our relationships. They say that traditional research treats individuals as though we live in isolation and this type of research loses a lot of opportunity to understand the realities of the lives of women (and we can add non-binary people too).
I’m glad you liked the podcast! I appreciate your critique about assimilation and would love to hear some specific examples from the episode that support your position.
One side note: generally, do use the adjectives “trans” or “transgender” (e.g. trans communities; transgender people). Avoid using the word as a noun (“transgenders”) or the word “transgendered” (here is an explanation: https://www.vox.com/2015/2/18/8055691/transgender-transgendered-tnr?__c=1)