Feminist Cross-cultural Research: Observations from a Research Project in Germany

Abstract

Recent research indicates that the rapid imposition of West German structures (policy, economy, culture) on East Germany caused economic hardships and personal insecurities which Ieave many East German women feeling vulnerable. This essay depicts the experiences involved in conducting an ethnographic study to examine the situation of women East and West of the former German border. Secondary analysis, survey research, observation and interviews with women's representatives show significant differences in the actual and perceived consequences of unification for women's lives in East and West. The feminist nature of the research and the complex structure of German bureaucracy were often impediments to the progress of this study. Recommehdations for researchers planning to do cross-national studies on women are discussed.