Apparent Feminism as a Methodology for Technical Communication and Rhetoric

Abstract

This article introduces apparent feminism, which is a new approach urgently required by modern technical rhetorics. Apparent feminism provides a new kind of response that addresses current political trends that render misogyny unapparent, the ubiquity of uncritically negative responses to the term feminism, and a decline in centralized feminist work in technical communication. More specifically, it suggests that the manifestation of these trends in technical spheres requires intervention into notions of objectivity and the regimes of truth they support. Apparent feminism is a methodology that seeks to recognize and make apparent the urgent and sometimes hidden exigencies for feminist critique of contemporary politics and technical rhetorics. It encourages a response to social justice exigencies, invites participation from allies who do not explicitly identify as feminist but do work that complements feminist goals, and makes apparent the ways in which efficient work actually depends on the existence and input of diverse audiences.

Writing and Women’s Retention in Engineering

“…These subtle biases toward women's communication send the message that women do not belong in engineering and reinforce the unapparent ideologies in technical communication that Frost (2016) exposed. Referring to the dangers of leaving the term efficiency unarticulated in technical communication, Frost (2016) argued that "anyone who can be labeled as inefficient is a threat to the status quo." Furthermore, when a term such as efficiency is "so embedded as a culture value that it is no longer explicitly discussed … it is then a small step to using efficiency to justify racism, sexism, ableism, and other evils" (p. 17).…”

“…While Katy spent a significant amount of time on these documents, her labor was frequently overlooked or undervalued, further underscoring her dissatisfaction with her workplace and with the chances of using writing to do anything. Katy embraced a definition of efficiency aligned with Frost's (2016) argument that technical communication researchers should examine implicit understandings of efficiency that go beyond energy expended and move toward an understanding of diverse audiences and users. Unfortunately, Katy's understanding of efficiency was often at odds with her coworkers' approaches, creating conflict and contributing to her dissatisfaction.…”

A Field-Wide Metasynthesis of Pedagogical Research in Technical and Professional Communication

“…Technical and professional communication (TPC) scholars are increasingly producing scholarship that seeks to enhance research in the field. Within this context, scholars have discussed the research relationship between practitioners and the academic field (e.g., Blakeslee & Spilka, 2004; St.Amant & Melonçon, 2016b); methods of empirical research (e.g., Boettger & Lam, 2013; Melonçon & St.Amant, 2019); need to look critically at the field from differing perspectives (e.g., Albers, 2017; Blakeslee, 2009; Carliner, Coppola, Grady, & Hayhoe, 2011; Selber, 2004); ways in which members of the field are trained to do research (e.g., Albers, 2017; Campbell, 2000; Cook & Rickly, 2017); and call for new research methodologies or approaches (e.g., Frost, 2016; Melonçon & Scott, 2018; Petersen & Walton, 2018). …”

“…call for new research methodologies or approaches (e.g., Frost, 2016; Melonçon & Scott, 2018; Petersen & Walton, 2018).…”

#digitalactivism: Examining #yesallwomen And Teaching Social Media Activism In Technical Communication

“…Digital platforms, which include social media sites and applications, are often considered easy and efficient venues for advocacy and social justice work. But this convenience and efficiency-and the rhetorics therein-have been critiqued by social justice scholars in both disciplines (Katz, 1992;Slack & Wise, 2005;Frost, 2016). Specific to social media activism, Stephanie Vie explains how it has faced scrutiny by users and activists for promoting "feel-good" but doing little to affect major change ("In Defense of 'Slacktivism'").…”