Feminist epistemologies and information science: an analysis of comic books

Abstract

This research addresses the relationship between comics, feminist epistemologies, and Information Science, with a focus on knowledge organization and the production of female comic artists. Comics are informational objects that blend visual and verbal elements, conveying narratives, symbolism, and cultural themes. The connection between gender, women, and science extends to comics, where objective knowledge is questioned, and female perspectives are valued. Comics can foster diverse representation and address social issues through Feminist Epistemologies. In the field of Information Science, these epistemologies reflect on the production, organization, and circulation of information, challenging androcentric biases. Thus, the study proposes as its general objective the interrelation between comics and feminist epistemologies, regarding knowledge organization, highlighting the production of Brazilian comic artists. Methodologically, it consists of a qualitative approach, of theoretical nature, and grounded in bibliographic research. The results discuss the recent recognition of contributions by female cartoonists and comic artists, despite many Western productions reinforcing male stereotypes, reflecting gender hierarchies. The male and female representation in comics mirrors historical constructions of identity and values. In this sense, feminist epistemologies challenge traditional representations and promote social changes. This approach empowers female voices, questioning hierarchical structures. It can be concluded that the study contributes to a deeper understanding of gender representations in comics, promoting inclusion and diversity. The perspective of feminist epistemologies offers a critical analysis of the knowledge structure in comics, problematizing gender, and power representations. This approach seeks equality and diversity, empowering female voices, and enriching the understanding of different forms of knowledge and experience.