Adele Moore, SSSTM, University of Liverpool (2020 Cohort)

On Tuesday 10^th of October, one of our student reps, Adele Moore, co-hosted an event called ‘Feminist Inquiry with her colleague, Lara MacLachlan. The event was funded through the British Sociological Association’s Regional Postgraduate Award, and the SLSJ Research Cluster, ‘Publics and Practices’.

This symposium sought to highlight the value and importance of feminist thinking to the field of sociology. Organised by and for PGRs, we managed to bring together UK-based PGRs involved in or who are interested in feminist perspectives.

Feminist researchers do not prescribe any single research method; they are united in the need to challenge traditional approaches and minimise the harms of research. Traditionally feminist perspectives focused on the inclusion of women and improving women’s status in the world, however, it is now widely accepted that key to feminist inquiry is the inclusion of marginalised groups more broadly. Feminist inquiry has largely modified existing research methods, as opposed to inventing new methods, however feminists have produced a distinctive body of writing about research epistemology and methods. This symposium worked to showcase the diversity of feminist perspectives and the increasing importance of this perspective to the field of sociology.

The day started with 7 PGR speakers, based in varying disciplines across Liverpool, Manchester and Lancaster institutions. After this, was a panel event with 4 lecturers from the University of Liverpool, and a research café session which enabled attendees to discuss in depth the issues which we face as feminist researchers. Overall the event worked to create a critical, safe and engaging space for PGRs to discuss their research. Adele would be more than happy to discuss how she applied for this funding with anyone who is thinking of hosting their own event!