Systematization in Social Work and Feminist Standpoint Epistemology. Dialogues about the Production of Knowledge Based on Experiences

Abstract

This article discusses systematization from a singular perspective. The debate revolves around the status of experience in the production of scientific knowledge, from the perspective of feminist standpoint epistemologies, because of the proximity we find in these arguments with some concerns we raise in Social Work. In methodological terms, we do a work of theoretical reflection. This consists of a situated analysis where the typical procedures of the theoretical work of social sciences are accompanied by our experiences in research, teaching, and systematization in the field of Social Work. The central argument of the article holds that, from a feminist epistemological position, detachment and distance are a scientific prejudice rather than a proof of objectivity and validity, Subjectivity is seen not as an obstacle but as a constituent element of knowledge production. Thus, one of the distinctive traits of systematization of experiences – that who reflects and interprets is the very subject who is having the experience - ceases to be an obstacle to its validity and relevance and turns into a possibility to contribute a singular standpoint: the perspective of those who, with their daily practice, insert themselves into a scenario which they, in turn, claim to know and reflectively approach. In the conclusions, we highlight that some characteristics of experience systematization, which have been considered problematic to knowledge production, can be understood as potentialities if we put androcentric perspectives aside.