Implications of Feminist Epistemologies for Participatory Research in the Field of Social Inequality: The Role of Recognition for Research Ethics and Epistemologies

Abstract

Participatory research can be considered a fruitful methodology in the study of social inequality. Feminist epistemologists point out the relevance of participants' involvement in research not only for ethical, but also for epistemic reasons. However, their inclusion as co-researchers comes with several difficulties, such as tacit hierarchies in research contexts due to unequal social positions. We argue that these issues can be described as a matter of recognition. Referring to the theory of recognition, we discuss connections between participatory research and feminist epistemologies. Thereby, recognition can be defined not only as a valuing attitude but also as performative acts of speech that affect the participants' social position. As one result, we introduce the term relational recognition. We transfer our considerations to a methodical level by discussing them in relation to reflecting teams (ANDERSEN, 2011 [1991]), a method which has been adopted to evoke more participation within the research project Kooperation für Inklusion in Bildungsübergängen [Cooperation for Inclusion in Educational Transitions]. In doing so, the interdependencies between participatory research and feminist epistemologies can be shown on both a methodological and methodical tier.