Standpoint epistemology and the uses of self-reflection in feminist ethnography: Lessons for rural sociology

We explore how feminist researchers informed by standpoint theoretical fram eworks employ the process of self-reflection to counter the reproduction of inequalities in ethnographic investigation. Although it is not a cure for this dilemma, we argue that researchers can be self-conscious about the way s in which they reproduce power in the course of their work; furthermore, s ustained attention to these dynamics will enrich ethnographic accounts. We begin by outlining the diverse ways in which feminist ethnographers draw on standpoint epistemology to generate strong reflexive methodological strate gies. Then we describe challenges posed by postmodern and postcolonial crit ics, and outline how feminists have contributed to these debates and have r esponded with innovative methodological strategies, especially in relation to self-reflexive techniques. In conclusion, we discuss how rural sociologi sts might incorporate these methodological insights into their ethnographic investigations.