The contribution of feminist approaches to health promotion research: Supporting social change and health improvement for vulnerable women in England

Abstract

The contribution of feminist approaches to health promotion research is discussed throughout this chapter. We start by outlining the principles that underpin feminist research and discussing how such approaches distinguish themselves from more traditional and mainstream study techniques. Drawing out the links between feminist research strategies and their overlap with health promotion research, we reflect upon our own practice as feminist evaluators examining interventions that support social change and health improvement for vulnerable women in England. We highlight examples of the numerous ways in which we have drawn upon feminist principles to do data collection as part of our evaluation work, aiming to give voice to seldom heard women, and to privilege their lived experiences. Continuous reflection on our work has led us to critically analyse the ways in which feminist research remains challenged within a neoliberal context, is affected by researcher positionality and is a form of emotional labour for all involved. These challenges are relevant for other health promotion researchers, engaged in evaluation work and data collection with vulnerable groups.