Stream Summary: Methodological Innovation

Published August 6, 2024 Professor Mazeda Hossain Professor Neloufer de Mel
Methodological Innovation Global

Hub Co-Directors: Professor Mazeda Hossain, Nottingham Trent University and Professor Neloufer de Mel, International Centre for Ethnic Studies.

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The Methodological Innovation (MI) stream addresses critical issues related to conflict, gender, violence, health, and methodological innovation using an interdisciplinary lens. These projects are based in diverse global contexts ranging from Colombia, Uganda, Sri Lanka, and Guatemala to ones drawing lessons from various other regions affected by conflict and fragility. The projects in this stream aim to use innovative methodological approaches to address some of the key issues facing the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS) agenda. The key problems addressed include the marginalisation and stigmatisation of female ex-combatants, the challenges of implementing gender equality measures in post-conflict settings, the impact of crises on research methodologies, and the need for innovative approaches to measure and enhance societal wellbeing and resilience in conflict-affected and fragile settings. 

Six projects were part of the MI stream: 

Innovative Methodologies and Methodological Innovation (AR Boer Cueva, K Giri, C Hamilton, J Kim, LJ Shepherd)

  • This project explores the understanding and utility of innovative methodologies among Hub researchers, with a focus on feminist ethics and reflexive approaches. 
  • Key issue this project sought to address: The challenge of practicing feminist research ethics in crisis contexts and the need for context-specific and creative research practices. 
  • Methodological approaches used: The project conducted surveys with Hub researchers, emphasising critical reflexive approaches, feminist ethics, and the relational nature of research. It used mixed methods, including textual, audio, survey, tabular, visual, fabric, quantitative, and archival data. 
  • Comparative insights: This project highlights the importance of reflexivity and relationality in research, emphasizing that methodology is inseparable from the desired societal impact. 

The Global Wellbeing and Resilience Index (GWRI) (M Hossain, G Ferrari, L Bacchus, L Kiss, C Liu, Y Makhlouf, L Kenny, E Klaus, B Allen, J Kennaway, J Conway)

  • The Global Wellbeing and Resilience Index (GWRI) measures five dimensions of population wellbeing and resilience with 138 indicators, particularly in conflict-affected settings. 
  • Key issue this project sought to address: The need for a comprehensive quantitative tool to assess and improve societal wellbeing and resilience, especially in conflict-affected and fragile contexts. 
  • Methodological approaches used: We developed the GWRI with the input of 158 women peacebuilders and experts. Together, we identified variables that are essential to wellbeing and resilience – health, the environment, state institutions, livelihoods, and social cohesion. The Index includes data on 120 countries and combines quantitative data (e.g., pollution levels, population health, biodiversity) and qualitative assessment data (e.g., societal trust, institutional integrity) to measure countries’ performance in a range of areas relevant to wellbeing and resilience. 
  • Comparative insights: The GWRI provides an innovative multidimensional framework and quantitative index that can be used for policy development, resource allocation, and monitoring, highlighting the interconnectedness of health, environment, institutions, livelihoods, and social cohesion. 

Rights Research with Social Media (K Ainley, G Dancy, C Wilmot) 

  • This project examines the backlash to transitional and gender justice on social media in Guatemala, Colombia, Uganda, and Sri Lanka. 
  • Key issue this project sought to address: Understanding the role of social media in shaping public opinion and resistance to gender justice initiatives. 
  • Methodological approaches used: The project uses social media analysis to understand the characteristics and implications of backlash to transitional and gender justice. 
  • Comparative insights: The project underscores the need for social media companies and international institutions to address and mitigate backlash against gender justice efforts. 

From Female Combatants to Filmmakers (E Pauls) 

  • This project focuses on the experiences and aspirations of female ex-combatants in Colombia and Uganda, using participatory documentary filmmaking. 
  • Key issue this project sought to address: The marginalisation and stigmatisation of female ex-combatants, and the reversal of gender equality progress post-conflict. 
  • Methodological approaches used: The project employs a participatory research design, training female ex-combatants to conduct peer-to-peer interviews and produce videos documenting their perspectives and experiences. 
  • Comparative insights: The participatory approach empowers female ex-combatants to share their stories, highlighting the importance of their contributions to peacebuilding and the need for sustained support for their reintegration. 

Narrating (In)Security (W McInerney, N Armstrong, E Pauls) 

  • This project critically examines feminist participatory methodologies used within the UKRI GCRF Gender, Justice and Security Hub. 
  • Key issue this project sought to address: The challenge of implementing participatory methodologies that genuinely reflect the lived experiences of participants and address epistemic violence. 
  • Methodological approaches used: The project uses story circles, participatory workshops, interviews, and digital storytelling methods to elicit reflexive dialogue among researchers. 
  • Comparative insights: Reflexive dialogue and critical awareness are essential for uncovering the benefits, challenges, and risks of participatory methodologies, promoting more ethical and impactful research practices. 

Key Findings 

  • Reflexivity and Relationality: Across the projects, there is a strong emphasis on the importance of reflexivity and relationality in research. Methodologies must be contextspecific, considerate, and collaborative, recognizing the collective nature of knowledge generation. 
  • Impact of Crises on Research: Crises such as the Covid-19 pandemic, budget cuts, and political upheavals test the resilience of research methodologies and ethical frameworks. Researchers must be prepared to adapt and respond to these challenges. 
  • Marginalization and Stigmatisation: Female excombatants face significant challenges in post-conflict settings, including stigmatisation, economic hardship, and a reversal of gender equality progress. Their contributions to peacebuilding are often undervalued and underutilized.
  • Long-term Reintegration: Sustained support for female ex-combatants is essential for their successful reintegration and for building sustainable peace. This includes addressing economic opportunities, health concerns, and societal stigmatisation.
  • Innovative Methodologies: The use of innovative methodologies, such as participatory filmmaking and arts-based approaches, or conducting online interviews with individuals who would not normally be able to participate in a research project, can enhance the impact and reach of research, fostering deeper engagement and understanding among diverse audiences.
  • Comprehensive Wellbeing and Resilience Assessments: Tools such as the Global Wellbeing and Resilience Index provide valuable insights into the multidimensional aspects of wellbeing and resilience, supporting more effective policy development and resource allocation, especially in conflict-affected and fragile settings.

Recommendations 

  • Ground Research in Reflexivity and Collaboration: Researchers should design and conduct studies in collaboration with the communities they seek to serve, recognizing the collective nature of knowledge cultivation. 
  • Draw on Participatory and Arts-based Methods: These methods should be mainstreamed in conflict-affected contexts to facilitate spaces for conflict-affected people to share and process their experiences, contributing to more ethical and impactful research. 
  • Enhance Data Collection Efforts: Greater investment in data collection, particularly in fragile and low-income settings, is needed to address critical gaps and improve the assessment of societal wellbeing and resilience. Disaggregated data on sex, age, and other key intersectional areas is urgently needed. 
  • Promote Gender Equality: Implement policies and programs that prevent and respond to gender-based violence, promote gender equality, and ensure the meaningful participation of women in all stages of peace processes.

All projects used feminist participatory and collaborative approaches that were adaptive to changing contexts while always adhering to strong ethical and safeguarding principles. These projects aim to contribute to more resilient, equitable and peaceful societies through innovative methodological advancement. 

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Hub members

Professor Mazeda Hossain Professor Neloufer de Mel

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Narrating (in)security

Using applied theatre approaches and videography, the project engages with a group of Tamil women living in Batticaloa, in the eastern province of Sri Lanka whose lives have been affected by the conflict.