Feminist critical friendship: an approach to researching institutional change in academia

This article explores the application of feminist critical friendship (FCF) as a research approach to study institutional change in academic settings, contributing to feminist institutionalism-informed research with ethical and methodological reflections. Discussing the theoretical underpinnings of FCF, its practical application in academia and the ethical considerations of conducting research as an insider, the study underscores the importance of adopting a feminist ethic of care, acknowledging the complex reality of gender reform and the role of change agents in navigating and implementing change. It highlights the potential of FCF to foster collaborative and horizontal relationships between researchers and participants, aiming for knowledge production that reflects the nuanced reality of institutional change.