Whose Knowledge? Whose Voices? Using Transnational Feminist Epistemology in Sociological Thinking

• In Event: 4211 - Feminist Theory and Institutions

Abstract

In these exciting times of American Sociological Association offering open support for engaging in social justice, I argue that transnational feminist epistemology can enrich sociological theory and praxis. Transnational feminist thought embraces anti-racist, anticolonial, social justice projects globally—theorizing on commonalities and differences of struggle. It is not only a fresh approach towards feminist research and teaching but relevant to all academic fields, especially sociology and anthropology. Feminism is not meant to be insular; feminist theory and praxis can/has influence/d social sciences, STEM fields, academic administration, politics, business and communities grappling with issues of identity and intersectionality. Transnational feminist theory centers social justice and interconnectedness of social movements in this late capitalist era of deepening—often exploitative— globalization. It argues for collaborative and socially useful knowledge production. Reflexive transnational feminist theory and epistemic exchanges can serve as a basis for resistance movements as well as sociological research. In this paper I provide what Bourdieu describes as a “sociology of sociology” (in his book “An Invitation to Reflexive Sociology”) of transnational feminist thought, and I explain how productive exchanges between transnational feminisms and sociology can help us understand social structures, collective agency, and politics of knowledge economies better. It will also create a more reflexive sociology, expanding its boundaries, and allowing more space and voices of/for marginalized communities within the discipline.

Author

• Debjani Chakravarty, Utah Valley University