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The Mirror Dance in retrospect.
1Stanford University, USA. skrieger@stanford.edu
Journal of Lesbian Studies
|September 29, 2009
Summary
Susan Krieger
Area of Science:
- Sociology
- Queer Studies
- Qualitative Research
Background:
- Classic 1983 study "The Mirror Dance" examined a lesbian community.
- The original study uniquely incorporated community members' voices.
- This article offers a retrospective on lessons learned from that research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To reflect on methodological and theoretical insights from "The Mirror Dance".
- To re-evaluate the significance of lesbian communities through a "multiple voices" lens.
- To challenge traditional social science narratives in community studies.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of a foundational qualitative study.
- Focus on narrative methodology and participant voice.
- Exploration of community dynamics through autoethnographic elements.
Main Results:
- The value of "multiple voices" in representing community experiences.
- Methodological innovation in qualitative research through narrative plurality.
- Enduring importance of lesbian communities for social and personal identity.
Conclusions:
- "The Mirror Dance" provides lasting lessons on community representation.
- Embracing diverse perspectives is crucial for understanding social groups.
- Lesbian communities remain vital sites for identity and belonging.
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