Critical Theory and Feminist Epistemology, Essay Example

Introduction

This paper will examine the ontological, axiological, epistemological, and methodological tenets of critical theory and feminist epistemology. Additionally, the paper will evaluate how critical theory and feminist epistemology are consistent with the values of criminal justice.

Ontological Assumptions

Scott (1978) argues that ontological tenets of critical theory mainly involve social and empirical sociology. Because it contests the views of logical positivism, critical theory consists of a multi-faceted research process in addition to basic fact gathering. The research process is comprised of planning, acting, and self-reflecting of others(Scott, 1978). With regards to critical theory, feminist epistemology focuses on the abstract inquiry of gender and its connection to the understanding of knowledge within a certain framework (Pressley, 2005). It is therefore a derivative of critical theory which is based on an individual’s knowledge in reference to his or her social context.

Axiological Assumptions

In contrast to ontological assumptions, axiological assumptions of critical theory ponder the course of change as a chief factor in the lives of others. In other words, the role of the researcher is valued as he or she in actively involved in the process of data collection. This ensures that the researcher offers a fresh perspective on the research topic. Through socio-cultural understanding, the researcher promotes change. This process is highly subjective because in order to propagate change, the researcher partners with participants. Axiological assumptions of feminist epistemology argue that social and cultural principles should be incorporated in the science of evaluation. This method considers implications of social biases such as sexism by recognizing the values of ethics (Agra & Adan, 2004).

Epistemological Assumptions

The epistemological assumption of critical theory is a subjective process. Rahman (1991) argues that in order to produce knowledge, on must embrace openness to learning. This involves a respect of the knowledge of others and sharing ideas. This process will result in participatory action research which means that knowledge is directly linked to action and participation. This process of critical theory implies that the obtainment of knowledge provides a valuable perspective which translates to an acceptance of cultural differences and a minimization of misinterpretations (Kidd & Kral, 2005). Because feminism is a revolutionary concept, it is crucial that research pertaining to the topic be conducted with minimal distortion. This will ensure that when all knowledge is positioned it will be practical and it will ensure that the locality of women will provide the researcher with various perspectives to discover the truth (Agra & Adan, 2004).

Methodological Assumptions

Through the expansion of action and reflection, methods develop over time. Qualitative research methods often include the development of theory through the process of research. This research process originates in the identification of a problem. With regards to the topic of feminism, research is often focused on beliefs, esteem, and morals. These research methods include story-telling and surveys.  In addition, quantitative methods are often employed in the form of an anonymous questionnaire for participants who are reluctant to divulge personal information to the researcher (Kidd & Kral, 2005). In particular, research focused primarily on feminist epistemology often focus on issues such as the advancement of women and sexist scientific and technological advances (Pressley, 2005).

Criminal Justice and Feminist Epistemology

Because critical theory examines resemblances and variances of organizational practice, it is crucial to the field of criminal justice. This is attributed to the ability of critical theory to shape the justice system in an attempt to achieve justice and implement order. Three predominant feminist epistemologies exist within the field of criminal justice: liberal feminism, cultural feminism, and radical feminism. Liberal feminism argues that the law should respond similarly to violence against women as it does to violence against men; in other words, liberal feminism propagates equal treatment of men and women. Cultural feminism argues that most traditional organizations such as religious, economic, and political, are predominantly masculine. Radical feminism argues that society is male dominant, specifically with regards to bias crimes (Hopkins & Koss, 2005).

Bibliography

Agra, M. X., & Adan, C. (2004). Feminist epistomology without knowing the subject? Retrieved May 26, 2011, from Departmento de loxica e filosofia, moral, universidade de Santiago de compostela (Spain): http://www.women.it/quarta/workshops/re-figuring3/carmeadan.htm

Hopkins, C. Q., & Koss, M. (2005). Incorporating feminist theory and insights into a restorative justice response to sex offenders. Violence Against Women, 11(5), 693-723.

Kidd, S. A., & Kral, M. (2005). Practicing participatory action research. Journal of Counceling Psychology, 52(2), 187-195.

Pressley, L. (2005). Whose knowledge is it anyway? Retrieved May 26, 2011, from Department of library and information studies school of edication: http://www.laurenpressley.com/papers/feminist.epistomology.pdf

Scott, J. (1978). Critical social theory: an introduction and critique. British Journal od Sociology, 29(1), 1-21.