What are the main arguments of standpoint theorists?

 The standpoint theorists argue that without acknowledging the social location of the researcher the knowledge that is presented as universal is incorrect. The situatedeness of the researcher is important. The value neutrality of the social sciences was biased and skewed. The normative framework that is used for analysis must necessarily take into account the social locations of the researcher and the researched. These normative frameworks are not universal and will necessarily vary. They also contend that knowledge that is presented as universal is always produced from a position of power.

The standpoint theorists argue that research should be form all points of view. They contend that the point of view of the white, heterosexual, upper and middle class researcher is extremely skewed. They argue for a research form the standpoint of the marginalized. Standpoint theorist like Nancy Hartsock (Hartsock, 1983) believe the Marxist idea of truth is historically specific and all knowledge is political. She contends that the position of women in society and the sexual division of labour means that the lives of women differ from the lives of men. The patriarchal vison of gender structures material relationships between men and women. The situatedness of women gives women a unique standpoint from which they are able to critique the status quo. The situtatedness of women does not give them the power to struggle for equality naturally thus a feminist point of view is essential. She argues for a feminist standpoint and not just a women’s standpoint. She is like Harding arguing for a version of absolute truth while agreeing that truth is historically specific.

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