Abstract

In this paper, I examine the role of feminist critical methodologies in change-based social research. The paper applies Sara Ahmed’s (2021) conception of the “feminist ear” to ground Action Research in critical feminist theory and to contribute a collective, shared resistance to institutional norms that perpetuate harm. In doing so, this paper explores the quandaries around researcher reflexivity in critical feminist methodologies, examining the author’s own positionality while simultaneously questioning the use and limits of reflexivity. Finally, the paper takes an expanded view of ethics in human subjects research to center the researcher’s responsibility to participants, ultimately advocating for embracing the discomfort and love of critical feminist research practices to effect social change.

Keywords: Critical feminist theory, cultural labor, reflexivity, methodology, Action Research

How to Cite:

Ripley, A. T., (2025) “Listening with a Feminist Ear: Feminist Critical Methodologies in Practice”, Marilyn Zurmuehlen Working Papers in Art Education 2025(1), 1-18. doi: https://doi.org/10.17077/2326-7070.33953