FEMINISM AND IR THEORY

Feminism and IR Theory



Feminism and IR Theory

Introduction

The field and study of international relations has faced various challenges to its main structure since the Cold War ended and the process of globalization resulted in increasing interdependence. Now, the study of international relations does not revolve only around the reality-based issues such as security and war, instead, the field of international relations has expanded to include areas of liberal concerns that have been traditional, such as the political economy in the light of international politics, development in socioeconomic terms, non-state actors, civil society and human rights. There are theories present such as liberalism and realism, but the theory of feminism has brought new perspectives to the area of international relations and its study (Burchill, 2001, pp. 23). The feminist theory needs to be studied with respect to its effects on the field on international relations.

Gender and Patriarchy

Before the feminist theory can be discussed with respect to the international relations theory, two main terms need to be understood which are: patriarchy and gender. These two terms are the core element when it comes to discussion on feminism, and it must be noted that the word 'gender' cannot be taken as a synonym for the word 'sex', or referred to when talking about the biological differences which exist between women and men. The term 'gender' is about the social construction of the identities of men and women, and this construction plays a vital role in shaping their identities as it is very complex (Steans, 2006, pp. 63). The social construction also needs to be studied in terms of men and women's behaviors in relation to each other as that can help in identifying what differentiates the thoughts and attitudes of men from women.

The idea of power and power dynamics plays a fundamental role in the discussion on gender. Through the usage of the concept of gender, feminists are able to analyze the power that involves men and women and how that power is exerted and used by them and influences their interaction. The interaction that takes place between men and women has been socially, historically and habitually implemented during the course of time and does not come as a result of biological or inherent differences that exist in both the sexes (Blanchard, 2003, pp. 1289).

The other term which remains critical to those studying the feminist theory, is the term of 'patriarchy', which is described as a system in which women are considered to be subordinate to men when it comes to status and power, and this terminology is based on the notion that it is right and lawful for men to have command over women and women should obey them (Ackerly et. al, 2006, pp. 101). The roots of patriarchy lie back in times of Aristotle when he had stated that women are biologically inferior to men and their abilities to reason are also of the similar inferior nature, and this was integrated into most of the world's religions ...