A Feminist Approach to Sensitive Research: Designing the Clay Embodiment Research Method

This book explores the development and implementation of the Clay Embodiment Research Method (CERM) with sex-trafficked women in Nepal, arguing for a feminist approach due to patriarchal norms, cultural sensitivity, stigmatization, and low literacy. It uses clay and photography to engage with the women and create self-empowerment, highlighting insights and the need for expertise to deal with trauma. The book calls for further study on improving methods for research, education, and therapy with low-literate, stigmatized, oppressed, and marginalized populations.

Format: Hardback
Length: 108 pages
Publication date: 07 December 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book delves into the development and implementation of the Clay Embodiment Research Method (CERM) with one of the most stigmatized, oppressed, and marginalized groups of women in Nepal: sex-trafficked women. It advocates for a feminist approach to such research, considering the prevailing patriarchal norms, cultural sensitivity of reproductive health, stigmatization of sex trafficking, and low literacy of the women involved. The author's personal connection with Nepal and the women who guide the study lead to the realization that a more accessible research approach was necessary, beyond the commonly used techniques. The book discusses the use of clay and photography as ideal entry points to engage with the women and create an ethical methodology for self-empowerment. It highlights the extraordinary insights offered by the women through the application of CERM, while also acknowledging the need for expertise to handle the potential elicitation of trauma. The book makes a compelling case for further research on improving the methods' use in research, education, and therapy involving low-literate, stigmatized, oppressed, and marginalized populations, particularly where cultural sensitivity is a crucial factor.

A Feminist Approach to Sensitive Research is an invaluable resource for students, scholars, and researchers in Gender Studies, Sociology, Health Studies, Anthropology, and Asian Studies. It provides a comprehensive and insightful exploration of the challenges and opportunities of conducting research with vulnerable populations, offering valuable insights and methodologies for promoting social justice and equity.

Weight: 250g
Dimension: 144 x 223 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032257242