Question

Why have feminists argued that focus groups successfully avoid "decontextualizing" their participants?

a) Because they study the individual as part of a social context
b) Because they tend to be carried out by female researchers
c) Because moderating a focus group demands great technical knowledge
d) Because the data tends to be analysed using post-structuralist theories

Answer 1

Feminists argue that focus groups avoid decontextualizing by studying individuals within social contexts, allowing for a nuanced understanding of social realities and power dynamics, especially for marginalized groups.

Step-by-step explanation:

Feminists have argued that focus groups successfully avoid "decontextualizing" their participants because they study the individual as part of a social context. This approach is valued by feminists and other social scientists because it allows the participants to express their experiences within the rich context of their daily lives, acknowledging the complexities of social structures, power dynamics, and personal interactions. Focus groups, compared to more individualistic research methods, do not isolate an individual's experiences from the broader societal and cultural influences that shape those experiences. By engaging in group discussions, participants are able to reflect on and articulate their experiences in relation to others, which provides a more nuanced understanding of the social realities they face, including the experience of marginalized groups.