Theory Matters

As E. P. Thompson so clearly put it, all research is a dialogue between theory and evidence. This implies at least two essential requirements for effective research. The first is to make assumptions explicit so that the accumulation of evidence can be assessed in light of these assumptions. The second is to understand that all research is a process open to development through critical exchange and through disciplining by evidence. This book primarily addresses the second requirement. It focuses on the development of methods through the experiences of multiple dialogues among team members. This chapter explores the first of these requirements, explaining why explicit theory is necessary and how feminist political economy perspectives guided the organization of the team, the identification of research questions, the methodology, data sharing, and the analysis. In doing so, the chapter describes the rapid, site-switching method that evolved during the seven years of the project.