Whither Standpoint Theory In A Post-Truth World?

Abstract

This paper begins with a brief overview of the origins and continued use of standpoint theory in the social sciences. It highlights both historical and contemporary challenges to the utility of standpoint theory as a critical scholarly tool, including developments such as intersectionality and transgenderism / transracialism. Specifically, the implications of a post-truth era for standpoint theory are considered alongside the affective turn, purity politics and the critique of critique. Given the slow, but steady, erosion of the ivory tower in which academics enjoyed privileged access to ‘truth’, this paper concludes with the need to foster scholar activism via new forms of knowledge politics that move beyond existing approaches to standpoint theory.

The Role of Identity in Motivating and Shaping the Experiences of Social Work Participatory Action Research Scholars

“…It seeks to understand the nature of things from the perspective of those experiencing them (Harding, 2004). However, some postmodernists and intersectional feminists critique standpoint theory by raising concerns that it inadvertently endorses essentialism by generalizing the experiences of women as well as creating and reinforcing existing dichotomies (Paradies, 2018). Furthermore, standpoint theory has been criticized as “ill-equipped to deal with the rising fluidity of singular identities themselves” (Paradies, 2018, p. 121).…”

“…However, some postmodernists and intersectional feminists critique standpoint theory by raising concerns that it inadvertently endorses essentialism by generalizing the experiences of women as well as creating and reinforcing existing dichotomies (Paradies, 2018). Furthermore, standpoint theory has been criticized as “ill-equipped to deal with the rising fluidity of singular identities themselves” (Paradies, 2018, p. 121). Therefore, identity is not a fixed experience, as identities shift and can change over time (e.g., age, socioeconomic status; Paradies, 2018).…”

“…Furthermore, standpoint theory has been criticized as “ill-equipped to deal with the rising fluidity of singular identities themselves” (Paradies, 2018, p. 121). Therefore, identity is not a fixed experience, as identities shift and can change over time (e.g., age, socioeconomic status; Paradies, 2018).…”

“…To address the limitations of standpoint theory, we also draw upon intersectionality because it pushes identity beyond a “single axis of power or oppression” (Paradies, 2018, p. 120). As scholars, we are committed to inquiry that not only recognizes the multidimensional nature of identity but also prioritizes the need to examine these dimensions to understand people’s experiences.…”

Mulheres sertanejas cordelistas e a organização de um espaço de fala no cordel feminino

“…Todavia, em contraste, as relações de identidade que constituem o sujeito e o outro são distintas nos dois casos. O lugar de fala, signatário da Standpont Theory, precisou do conceito de interseccionalidade para superar o dualismo intrínseco da posição (standpoint) (Paradies, 2018), adotando uma abordagem multidimensional para a identidade. Ainda que a interseccionalidade verse sobre múltiplas identidades e múltiplos lugares, a constituição do lugar de fala implica "mediar a tensão entre a afirmação de múltiplas identidades e a necessidade contínua de políticas de grupo" (Crenshaw, 1991(Crenshaw, , p. 1296.…”