ABSTRACT
This chapter describes some of the background thinking and theoretical development involved in devising the gender knowledge contestation (GKC) approach using an 'abductive' and interpretive approach and the steps involved in undertaking data collection. It focuses on discussion of this process for readers whose desire to understand how gender mainstreaming (GM) works is more firmly located in their own work and experience, rather than an interest in current developments in academic feminist research. An abductive research strategy seeks to construct theory that is grounded in everyday activities and/or in the language and meanings of social actors. The interpretive school of thought marks a clear distinction between how the natural or physical world can be known, and how that of humans and social institutions can be known. Analysing policy implementation within an interpretive paradigm entails following policy 'wherever it goes', and understanding differing perspectives and interpretations.
