Using Feminist Research Methods to Study Sexual Minorities

1. Using Feminist Research Methods to Study Sexual Minorities Elisabeth Sheff Georgia State University NWSA Annual Conference 2011

2. Feminist Research Methods Traditionally cast as the "Other" by social scientists, sexual minorities have long been pathologized or misrepresented in academic research and the popular press. Feminist research methods offer an alternative to stigmatizing research methods.

3. Feminist Research Methods In this presentation I discuss research methods I have found most useful in studying polyamorists and kinksters, highlighting the methodological issues relevant to securing IRB approval for and then interviewing children in sexual minority families

4. Important Terms Polyamorists are people in openly conducted non-monogamous relationships who are open to sexual and emotional ties with multiple people Kinksters are people who identify as kinky and often participate in BDSM or sadomasochism

5. The Studies In this presentation I reference my two primary studies with sexual minorities Polyamorous Families with Children study, 1996 to 2011 Are You Kinky? study, 2005

6. Traditional Research Methods Deviance perspective that pathologizes variation Mental health perspective focused on identified patients seeking mental health assistance skews samples Researchers’ judgment of participants inhibits respondents’ candor Applying external meanings to complex social processes that may or may not be appropriate in the specific context

7. Well-established Feminist Methods Respondents/Participants versus Subjects Receptivity to respondents’ ideas, definitions, and input versus Researcher and respondents collaborate in research project

8. Methodological Contributions of these Studies IRB compliance Field work and data collection Data Analysis

9. Institutional Research Board Tips Be prepared for numerous revisions Establish a collegial relationship with compliance specialist Request an audience with one or more members of the board to give the board members a human face Be vague

10. Data Collection and Field Research Methods • Encourage respondents to select their own pseudonyms • Allowing respondents to read transcripts of telephone interviews fosters: • Accuracy • Probing • Respondent reflexivity

11. Data Analysis Bracket judgments but do not attempt to fool yourself with visions of objectivity Use respondents’ terms Reciprocal data sharing with respondents also fosters sharing written drafts with similar benefits Beware self-censoring to present respondents with what you think they want to hear

12. Feminist Research Methods with Children • Listen to them as full respondents • Allow some time to chat and build rapport • Read body language • Take care to equalize status as much as possible • Physical positioning • Active listening and repeating back to them what they say • Use their own language respectfully to mirror what they define as appropriate and germane • Avoid trying to sound cool or overly familiar/peerish