Short Abstract

This panel explores how practice-based, feminist, conflict- sensitive and transdisciplinary methodologies can challenge dominant paradigms and centre lived experiences, agency and creative capacities through a co-constructed approach.

Description

Traditional research methods in development studies – particularly for highly ‘sensitive’ topics such as conflict, gender-based violence - often fail to capture the agency of those most affected, and risk replication of unequal power dynamics and colonial tropes in the research process. This panel explores how practice-based, feminist, conflict- sensitive and transdisciplinary methodologies can challenge dominant paradigms and centre lived experiences, agency and creative capacities through a co-constructed approach.

We invite proposals for “engagements” – short presentations, participatory activities etc., that provoke creative responses and critical reflection on methodological approaches – particularly with regards to research around gender-based violence and conflict. This could include participatory, arts-led, decolonial, and community-led approaches or others that aim to deepen understanding of structural disadvantages but also promote agency in practice. The participants will critically examine if and how these methods disrupt extractive research practices, foster co-production, and contribute to more equitable development outcomes.

Key Questions:

• How do feminist, practice-based and transdisciplinary methods reframe our approach to research, including the meanings of central concepts like agency, power and disadvantage??

• What kind of reflections are necessary to modify research practices in order to enhance autonomy and collective action?

• What does a focus on ‘development outcomes’ mean in the context of transdisciplinary, practice-based and feminist methodologies?

Propose contribution