IGNOU MPS-002 International Relations: Theory and Problems Notes In English Medium

Question 1. Describe how Feminists define power? Also discuss Feminist View of the State with Analysis of Nationalism and Human Rights. (December 2010 Q2, June 2012 Q2, June 2013 Q3b, December 2013 Q3b, June 2014 Q3, December 2015 Q2, December 2017 Q3, December 2018 Q4, June 2021 Q2, December 2021 Q4, December 2024 Q3b)

ANSWER:

Feminism is the view that women and men deserve equal rights and opportunities in all parts of life. Feminism is the advocacy of the rights of women. It explains that women have been disadvantaged compared to men and are regulated by men due to a system of patriarchy. (Patriarchy is a system of social structures and practices through which men dominate and exploit women). This indicates two things. First that it is not biological features but societal institutions that are at the root of gender inequity. And second, that not every individual is necessarily in a position of domination, nor is every woman in a position of victimization.

Feminist as Power

Feminist researchers show that power relations are organized on the 'basis of gender. In fact, the concept of power is given male features. Power is formed possessing power and the ability to affect people. Those without power, especially during battle, are characterized as impotent" or "wimps," and their weakness is related with femininity. For example, in South Asia men, who oppose military action, are asked to wear bangles. Men are naturally connected with leadership; women are recognized as leaders if they accept masculine ideas of control.

Feminist Analysis of Human Rights

The women's movement has been working to recognize women's rights as human rights, despite gender-based crimes like rape is a method of torture or punishment for errant women. The United Nations suggested the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women in 1979, but many states still haven't signed. The International Criminal Court is needed to adjudicate violations of them.

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Feminist View of The State

Feminists argue that traditional state theories focus on features like sovereignty and authority, while ignoring their role as instruments of coercion or social cohesion (Social cohesion is the sense of belonging, mutual support, and harmony within a society). They view states as patriarchal and maintain patriarchal structures, with dictatorial, capitalist, and socialist states all exhibiting visible and covert patriarchy. State development is influenced by social movements, democratization, electoral pressures, and international pressures like the Convention on the Elimination of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW).

Feminist Analysis of Nationalism

Feminist scholars argue that women are ethnic and are part of the nation, playing an essential part in conveying national culture and socializing children as citizens. They also highlight the importance of women in nationalist movements, such as the struggle for independence from colonial rule in India and Pakistan. The language of nationalism is gendered, and women are typically linked with national identity. Feminist scholars say that when women become symbolic symbols for national identity, they are bound in a social and political hierarchy that idealizes them yet binds them in a permanently lower place. Nationalism can be constructive at times, but it can also be retrogressive, undermining the actual traditions of countries and peoples.

Feminist Critique of Realism

Realists maintain that states are the major sources of security, and an individual achieves her/his security by virtue of membership in the national community. The notion of the state as a "protector" is often and effectively exploited in realism. The protector is credited with "masculine" traits and the "protected" with the feminine. The security of the person is inextricable from that of the state since the state defends and sustains the social order and protects individuals from invasion by outsiders and from harm to one another.

CONCLUSION

Feminism is the representation of the rights of women. It states that women have been deprived compared to men due of a system of patriarchy. Feminists evaluate state security, power, and nationalism to illustrate that the traditional approach focuses solely on state power and military strategies, hence state-centered. They claim that this method is patriarchal, has prejudices against women, and hides their involvement. They regard war and nationalism as being gendered processes. Feminists propose a feminist approach to state security and international relations as one that will highlight the gender prejudices and correct these biases.

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