Extensive research by nonfeminists focuses on families and wife abuse as part of a system of interaction. Since this does not take gender or power into account as central factors, the focus is not truly feminist. Two research projects regarding wife abuse are discussed: a quantitative analysis of secondary data on family violence, considered patriarchal in its methodology and in-depth interviews with women who were victims of physical abuse and rape in their marriages, regarded as feminist. The development of the connection between scientific objectivity and masculinity and its importance in patriarchal society are discussed. Controversies in the study of wife abuse include the argument that battering is an individual rather than social problem, that it is a family issue rather than a gender issue, and the separation of thought from feeling between mainstream researchers and activists in the battered women's movement (experts v. nonexperts). 29 references.