Research on couples: are feminist approaches useful?

Abstract

Title. Research on couples: are feminist approaches useful? Aim. This paper is an exploration of the utility and value of feminist approaches when undertaking narrative-based research with partner dyads (within both heterosexual and same sex partnerships) and when researching sensitive issues. Background. Adverse life events or conditions experienced by individuals have been found also to have a negative impact on their partners. Most literature addressing partner issues uses quantitative methods, and existing qualitative research on couples has traditionally interviewed only one person in the partnership or coupled partners together. There is little discussion in the literature about the use of feminist research when researching male perspectives and experiences, and even less discussion of the possibilities that feminist research methods bring to the study of couple dyads. Discussion. Qualitative methodologies informed by feminist perspectives, including issues of reciprocity and self disclosure, can be used to unpack structural, personal and political issues related to couples' experiences. A feminist approach allows us to show that the origin of oppression is not personal but very much about power and that men as well as women, regardless of their sexuality, may experience the effects of oppression. Narrative and story-telling complements feminist research because of the value it assigns to the storytellers. Conclusion. To care for women effectively, we must also consider the experiences of their partners as the health of one partner has the potential to impact on the other. The concept of oppression is not absent, but indeed is illuminated, in the lives of some men. Gathering stories using feminist perspectives enhances respect and mutuality in the research process.

Exploring patients’ and healthcare professionals’ experiences of patient‐witnessed resuscitation: A qualitative study protocol

“…Telling their stories can help the participants to get a sense of relief (Leseho & Block, ) and to make sense of the experience (Carlick & Biley, ). It could also give the participant a sense of empowerment and of purpose, by contributing to the scope of the research (Beck, ; East et al., ; Peters, Jackson, & Rudge, ). These arguments were confirmed by the PPI consultees, who considered the benefit of communication important and potentially therapeutic, although they stressed the importance to provide emotional support beside the interviews.…”

Critical Feminist Narrative Inquiry

“…The focus of research is on individuals themselves, pertinent to their interests, and intended to benefit them. 21,25,28 Feminist researchers seek methods that value subjectivity and that encourage self-expression where women's (or men's) reflexivity is likely to be most prominent. 25 Through feminist research, a space is purposefully created for their experiences to be validated, for individual and social consciousness to be raised, and for the personal to become political.…”

“…The rationale guiding a theoretically triangulated critical feminist perspective is for researchers to (a) identify sources of power and alienation, 27,28 (b) recognize expressions of resistance and emancipation, 15 and (c) underscore invisible, silenced, or taken-for-granted historical, structural, and ideological forces and conditions. 21,25,28 This approach represents an opportunity to explore the agency, reflexivity, voice, and identity of social actors within the stories that are told, as well as to include a sociological perspective in the study of such stories, all dimensions that have yet to be extensively considered within the field of narrative inquiry. In addition, this form of narrative inquiry represents a powerful way for researchers to give voice to traditionally silenced, marginalized, or vulnerable populations and to examine the elicited stories in light of the multiple forces and conditions fostering oppression, marginalization, and stigmatization.…”

“…[21][22][23][24][25][26] For instance, in keeping with second-wave feminist scholars, 21-26 research is designed for women (or men) rather than being about them. 15,24,28 They are considered "experts" in their own lives. The focus of research is on individuals themselves, pertinent to their interests, and intended to benefit them.…”

“…15,27 These oppressive conditions can be attributed to the patriarchal norms and practices that constrain both men's and women's individual and collective agency 15,[21][22][23][24][25][26][27][28] and to the social norms informed by conceptions of class, race, gender, culture, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and marital status. Feminist researchers thus strive to see the world from each 'knower's' perspective, 21 thereby recognizing that experiences are not identical but socially located.…”