Taking a feminist approach to information systems research and using the thinking tools provided by the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu

Richardson, H 2009, 'Taking a feminist approach to information systems research and using the thinking tools provided by the sociologist Pierre Bourdieu' , Information Technology and People, 22 (1) , pp. 26-35.

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Abstract

Purpose: This paper aims to contribute a personal account of doing critical research that uses the social theory of Pierre Bourdieu and also that takes a feminist approach to research. It aims to reflect on what this might mean in order to understand information systems and their uses at work and in everyday life. Design/methodology/approach: The approach is confessional and describes the way in which critical qualitative research was undertaken in specific areas – that of call centres in Northwest England, gender and the UK ICT labour market and PhD research into issues of gender and home e-shopping. Findings: The findings as such suggest that social theory and critical approaches to research can contribute to understanding of IS at work and in everyday life. The account discusses the complexity of applying social theories and how difficult theoretical tomes are to understand, especially for the novice researcher. Practical implications: The paper highlights the importance of hearing the silent or silenced voices and letting stories be told. A theme throughout is how theory is linked to practice. Originality/value: The paper contributes to the special issue call for reflexive essays written in simple terms with details about how and why particular social theories or approaches were adopted. This will be of value to PhD and IS researchers whose work is informed by social theory.

Item Type:	Article
Uncontrolled Keywords:	Call centres, communication technologies, feminism, gender, research
Themes:	Built and Human Environment Energy Health and Wellbeing Media, Digital Technology and the Creative Economy Memory, Text and Place Subjects outside of the University Themes
Schools:	Schools > Salford Business School > Salford Business School Research Centre
Journal or Publication Title:	Information Technology and People
Publisher:	Emerald
Refereed:	Yes
ISSN:	0959-3845
Depositing User:	HJ Richardson
Date Deposited:	06 Oct 2011 11:36
Last Modified:	10 Feb 2019 13:48
URI:	http://usir.salford.ac.uk/id/eprint/17940

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