Power and Method: Political Activism and Educational Research

Power and Methoddemonstrates that political activism can and should be infused into the research process. Contesting the traditional assumptions that have dominated thinking about the nature and meaning of research--validity, objectivity and the researcher/"subject" relationship--the volume showcases alternative methods, enabling scholars to make arealdifference in the lives of classed, gendered and raced "subjects" and grapple honestly and openly with the way power is woven into the research process. Looking at the research that is grounded in the perspectives and experiences of lesbian and straight women, gay men, people of color and those from non-Western cultures, the contributors examine the possibilities and pitfalls inherent in conducting research that has a political, activist agenda. A final section considers how researchers and "subject" roles can be problematic, and offers alternative ways to reconceptualize these relationships. Committed to the notionthat the challenge to redefine the research process faces not only educational researchers,Power and Methodincludes contributions from scholars in the allied social sciences and the humanities. Responses from researchers working women's studies, anthropology, sociology and literature conclude each section and highlight common and alternative perspectives on the central themes that run throughout the volume. Contributors:Michelle Fine, Patti Lather, Daphne Patai, Glorianne Leck, William G. Tierney, Roger Platizky, Michele Foster, Margaret LeCompte, Daniel McLaughlin, John Stanfield II, Andrew Gitlin, Robyn Russell, Don Dippo, Louise Lamphere, Jennifer Gore, Jim Ladwig.