Reconstructing Science and Technology Studies: Views from Feminist Standpoint Theory

Despite overlaps, however, STS and feminist studies inhabit different conceptual and political universes. Working both domains invites a profound fear that one will prove irrelevant or epiphenomenal to the other. This article spells out how these two epistemologically and politically related enunciative communities are relevant to expanding the discursive universes of each. The goals of STS cannot be met without deeper-seated incorporation of feminist insights regarding standpoint epistemology as a research methodology, and further reflection on the specificity and multiplicity of social standpoints from which research might be generatively directed. Nor can feminist theory or gender studies afford to ignore allies in STS, who are helpful for avoiding the pitfalls of under-analysis of technoscience and social relations configured in and through science and technology. A feminist analysis of social configuration is highly consequential for science done and undone, research questions asked and unasked, and technologies developed and undeveloped.