Women and War: Gender Identity and Activism in Times of Conflict

by Joyce P. Kaufman, Kristen P. Williams

Overview

Women everywhere have long struggled for recognition as equal, productive members of society, worthy of taking part in the political process. These struggles become even more pronounced in times of conflict and war, when the symbolism and myths of womanhood are used to stoke nationalistic ideas about the survival of the state. Yet for all the rhetoric that takes place in their name, it’s men who generally make decisions regarding war.

Women and War examines how women respond to situations of conflict. Drawing on both traditional and feminist international relations theory, it explores the roles that women play before, during and after a conflict, how they spur and respond to nationalist and social movements, and how conceptions of gender are deeply intertwined with ideas about citizenship and the state. As Kaufman and Williams show, women do more than respond to conflict situations; they are active agents in their own right shaping political and historical processes. Their conclusions encourage us to rethink the prevalent assumptions of international relations, history and feminist scholarship and theory.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781565493094
Publisher:	Kumarian Press, Inc.
Publication date:	10/28/2010
Pages:	176
Product dimensions:	5.90(w) x 8.90(h) x 0.50(d)

About the Author

Joyce P. Kaufman is Professor of Political Science and Director of the Whittier Scholars Program at Whittier College. Prior to joining the faculty at Whittier College in 1985, she served as a Foreign Affairs Specialist in the Office of Nuclear Policy, Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense (International Security Affairs) from 1978-1979, and as a National Security Analyst with Pacific Sierra Research Corporation (1979-1982). She also served as a Research Fellow at the Logistics Management Institute in Washington, D.C.

Kristen P. Williams is Associate Professor in the Department of Government and International Relations and Co-Director of the Women’s and Gender Studies Program at Clark University.

Table of Contents

Preface vii

Acronyms xi

1 Introduction 1

2 Theoretical Framework 15

The Gendered Origins of the Nation-State 17

Traditional IR Theory and War 20

Women and Security 24

Women's Identities and Political Activism 27

Women, Conflict, and Political Activism 30

3 Conflict and Violence Against Women 35

Gendering Armed Conflict: Rape and Sexual Violence as Strategic Instruments of War 37

Women as Refugees 46

Conclusion 51

4 Women, Political Activism, and Conflict 57

Women and Conflict Zones 58

Women's Activism in Conflict Situations 63

Types of Conflict 70

Conclusion 80

5 Post-Conflict Activism: Women Working for Peace 87

Women, Conflict Resolution, and Peace 88

Women and Negotiations for Peace 94

Women's Political Activism and Peace: Opportunities and Obstacles 100

After the Conflict Ends: Post-Conflict Reconstruction 111

Barriers to Women's Political Involvement 113

Conclusion: Women, Activism, and Social Justice Issues 116

6 Where Are the Women" 125

Answering the Question: Where Are the Women" 125

General Conclusions 130

Next Steps 132

About the Authors 137

Selected Bibliography 139

Index 149