Feminist Critical Approaches in Gender-Based Violence Research
Feminist Critical Approaches in Gender-Based Violence Research

Author(s): Zilka Spahić Šiljak
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Methodology and research technology, Studies in violence and power
Published by: Transkulturna Psihosocijalna Obrazovna Fondacija (TPO Foundation)
Keywords: gender-based violence; feminist research principles; feminist method; feminist methodology;
Summary/Abstract: The paper focuses on the key principles of feminist research that include addressing power imbalances; listening to women’s voices and experiences; incorporating diversity and intersectionality; conducting multidisciplinary and mixed methods research; being reflexive; and using research results (Westmarland&Bows, 2019). These principles are crucial for feminist research mindset development and are particularly important in exploring a sensitive topic, such as gender-based violence. In ethnographic research, the feminist approach helps to conduct interviews in a more humanist and egalitarian manner, to cultivate the relationship of trust and empower the survivors. Although feminist research rests on a variety of theoretical and methodological grounds, Deborah Rhode (1990) underlines that they should include political, substantive and methodological dimensions: to advocate for emancipatory gender policies, to use gender as central category of analysis and to interpret the world from the experience of women.

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