THE FEMINIST LEGAL RESEARCH METHODOLOGY AND CULTURAL STUDIES METHODOLOGY

Abstract

The feminist methodology addresses the everyday experiences of women and their concerns, reveal the gender-based stereotypes and biases and, retrieve the subjugated knowledge forms. It points to the trends inherent in the basic structures and ideologies of the society that discriminate against women lived experiences and dismantles patriarchal structures, in which men hold the power and women are largely excluded from it. Cultural studies methodology, in turn, interprets law as a cultural text showcasing an institution embedded in social discourses of power, identity and representation. The objective of this study is to examine the emancipation of women and other marginalized groups from patriarchal domination. This study uses a doctrinal approach to compare these methodologies, stating that while feminist legal theory observes justice, knowledge and equality through gender-conscious critique, cultural studies methodology expands the analytical horizon by situating law within broader cultural practices and meanings, relying on primary and secondary sources. Primary materials included the Nigerian Constitution, scholarly definitions, theories and legal perspectives, while secondary sources consisted of academic textbooks and journal articles. The findings of this study revealed that by comparing and contrasting these methodologies, their complementary potentials lie in shaping a more reflexive, inclusive and socially responsive jurisprudence. It is also observed that personal problems are political problems. This study concludes with notable recommendations that will emancipate women from the oppression of patriarchy and obliterate inequality. The trends that make women less inclusive in positions of authority and entrench patriarchal domination in power, knowledge and structure will be minimized.