Gesine Fuchs

Methods in their diversity and their potential for interconnection form the inner framework of any research and determine to a large extent which knowledge may be obtained. An integral part of feminist scholarship is the reflection on what should be considered valid knowledge and why (epistemology), the theory and analysis on how research should gain knowledge (methodology) and finally how to specifically address concrete research questions (methods). This introduction concludes that epistemologies and methodologies can have a clear feminist profile, whereas every research method can be used for a feminist research interest as well as for the analysis of structural relations of inequality. Although mixed-methods designs are increasingly popular, they have not yet been able to resolve the tension between qualitative and quantitative research logics. A critical perspective on (political) science must also scrutinize the awarding practices of research funding organizations, continued gender stereotypes in research designs and in careers (appointments, denominations, publication norms), which can effectively put the brakes on feminist practice in the world of science.