Enclothed Knowledge: The Fashion Show as a Method of Dissemination in Arts-Informed Research

Authors

  • Ben Barry Ryerson University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-18.3.2837

Keywords:

arts-based research, arts-informed research, clothing, embodiment, fashion show, gender, masculinity, participatory, performance

Abstract

In this article, I investigate the processes, benefits and dilemmas of producing a fashion show as a method of dissemination in arts-informed qualitative research. I examine a project that used a fashion show to analyze and represent interview findings about men's understandings and performances of masculinities. Fashion shows facilitate the dissemination of new qualitative data—what I coin "enclothed knowledge"—which is embodied and inaccessible through static or verbal descriptions. Fashion shows also enable participants to shape knowledge circulation and allow researchers to engage diverse audiences. Despite these benefits, researchers have to be mindful of ethical dilemmas that occur from the absence of anonymity inherent in public performances and therefore I suggest strategies to mitigate these threats to research ethics. Ultimately, I argue that fashion shows advance social justice because the platform can transform narrow, stereotypical understandings of marginalized identities.

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Author Biography

Ben Barry, Ryerson University

Dr. Ben BARRY is an associate professor of equity, diversity and inclusion and Director of the Centre for Fashion Diversity & Social Change in the School of Fashion at Ryerson University. Using art and design approaches, his research explores the relationship between masculinities, bodies and gender equality through the lens of fashion.

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Published

2017-07-25

How to Cite

Barry, B. (2017). Enclothed Knowledge: The Fashion Show as a Method of Dissemination in Arts-Informed Research. Forum Qualitative Sozialforschung Forum: Qualitative Social Research, 18(3). https://doi.org/10.17169/fqs-18.3.2837

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Section

Single Contributions