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On Listening as an Integral Element of Praxis in Feminist and Womynist Research
Author(s) -
Lewis Edith A.
Publication year - 2015
Publication title -
journal of family theory and review
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.454
H-Index - 17
eISSN - 1756-2589
pISSN - 1756-2570
DOI - 10.1111/jftr.12081
Subject(s) - scholarship , praxis , active listening , sociology , citation , element (criminal law) , media studies , library science , epistemology , political science , philosophy , law , computer science , communication
I am grateful for the opportunity to respond to Elizabeth Sharp and Shannon Weaver’s thoughtful and honest appraisal of themselves as works in progress in the developmental process of feminist research. It is heartening to know that aluta continua (“the struggle continues”) proceeds forward to refine conceptual frameworks and methodological strategies and critique old paths while forging new ones. I am honored to realize that I was present for and contributed to some of the discussions leading to the creation of the knowledge cited by the authors, particularly as I move out of the academy and into new ways of cocreating and disseminating knowledge. The following comments are designed to encourage feminist and womynist scholars who hope to produce scholarship that has meaning outside of the academy. In most of my own work, I have noted my commitment to praxis as integral to producing new knowledge. Engaging in praxis means the development of critical thinking combined with action to enhance social justice. The authors give excellent examples of the ways they have engaged in conscientization in their development of theory and research methods over their careers. They are established scholars who recognize how much more we have to learn to effectively integrate the complexities of intersectional family life in the United States.