Welton O’Neal III
March 23, 2015
When analyzing international
relations issues, it is often analyzed through a variety of theories with the
main viewpoints being realism and liberalism. Both theories agree that within the
international arena, only anarchy exists. However, realism emphasizes that
nation-states interact with each other through their own self interest and
intent to maintain their sovereignty and obtain more power. In regards to
liberalism, it views nation-states interacting with each other in order to
obtain peace. This can be achieved by nation-states being members of the United
Nations. When it comes to feminism, it views these two theories as being
dominated by the male perspective.
Feminist theory uses gender and
patriarchy to describe the field of international relations. Overall, feminist theory says that most actors
in international relations, such as diplomats and policymakers, have been, and
still are males who come from patriarchal social and political backgrounds.[1] Therefore,
discussions within international relations remain largely limited by those who lack
consideration of women’s roles in world politics. If international relations
continues to exclude women from its discipline and practice, then it will
remain as an example of patriarchy. [2]
In criticizing the most predominant
international relations theory which is realism, feminists argue that realists
over-value the role of the state in defining international relations, without
questioning how the nation-state is politically and socially structured.
Feminist theory would consider how the nation-state includes the views of its
individual citizens, and how the nation-states domestic views translate into
foreign policies.[3] Additionally, feminism
views realism as the antithesis to achieving gender equality in discussion and
practice. Nation-states are the actors and the individual is of little
importance. When the individual is de-emphasized, there is even less
acknowledgement of a female individual, which effectively excludes feminist
discussion.[4]
Feminists also challenge the other
international theory, liberalism. The critique of it is that international
institutions provide for ways in which women can be more politically and
socially acknowledged and empowered. Since the leaders and the processes of
formal international organizations come from patriarchal systems, their work
can keep women at a disadvantage.[5] In
criticizing the main international relations theoretical viewpoints, feminism
has developed its own theories to explain international relations. This
consists of feminist empiricism and feminist standpoint.
In defining feminist empiricism, it observes
that states and the interstate system have been fundamentally gendered
structures of domination and interaction. Feminist empiricism asks 'whether it is accurate to
focus on states and worldwide capitalist processes and not also examine the social
attitudes and structures which impart a gender to international relations'.[6]
Regarding feminist standpoint theory,
it argues that women's experiences at the margins of political life have given
them perspectives on social issues that provide valid insights into world
politics. Additionally, for this form of feminist theory it provides a critique
of theories constructed by men who put themselves in the position of
policy-makers.[7] Instead, feminists critically
examine international relations from the standpoint of people who have been
excluded from power.The feminist standpoint conception doesn’t imply that feminist
perspectives are superior to traditional views. Rather, they contain valid insights
into the complex realities of world politics.[8]
It is important that when discussing
issues and trying to resolve them within the international arena, there is always
a feminist perspective. Women are just as likely to be affected by the various
economic and social issues that occur and more likely than not, are not given a
voice in resolving these issues due to political and social reasons. Women
within this world play just an important role in society than men and in some
cases, are the only family provider. For all countries to continue or maintain
their political and economic development, women should be included in the
development process. No country can truly develop, despite their political and
economic system, unless women are treated equally and posses the same amount of
political and economic power as men do.
[1] Ruiz, Tricia. "Feminist Theory and International
Relations: The Feminist Challenge to Realism and Liberalism."
[2] Ibid
[3] Ibid
[4] Ruiz, Tricia. "Feminist Theory and International
Relations: The Feminist Challenge to Realism and Liberalism."
[5] Ibid
[6] Keohane, Robert. "International Relations Theory:
Contributions of a Feminist Standpoint." 1989, 9.
[7] Ibid
[8] Ibid
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