Session 21: Bringing the 'Wo' back in 'Man' dominated field of IR

                The author starts off her preface by asking questions which deal with the absences of women in the field of international relations. Interestingly, in Pakistan or more specifically in LUMS, fields relating to social sciences such as political science are dominated by women. The male students on the other hand tend to divert to other fields such as economics, accounting or natural sciences- although females are adequately represented in those fields as well. However, it is possible that the author was talking about graduate studies and the stats that I’m referring to are of the undergraduate level.

                In chapter 1, the author talks about the women, who despite being equally, if not more qualified than men, were refused certain positions in foreign policy and defense. This was done so because in fields such policy making and military, people who possess rationality, strength and autonomy are needed and these characteristics are categorically associated with men. She lays the blame for such blatant exclusion of females on the ‘traditional Western academic discipline of international relations’ as it ‘privileges issues that grow out of men’s experiences.’  However, she does cite other authors to make the point that the image of this alpha-male, male warrior, who is aggressive, courageous and tough; this image does not actually align with most men. Thus, this ‘hegemonic masculinity’ worsens the gender dichotomy which exists in international politics.

                Chapter one then goes on to trace the roots of this otherization of females by giving an overview of the field of IR has been historically constructed. She then broaches the matter of feminist theories. She defines them as those theories which are built on the experiences of women; those experiences which have been generally marginalized in intellectual discourses. Feminists believe that discrimination against women is embedded in culture, class, and race. The author is of the opinion that adding feminist perspectives can provide scholars a new lens through which the world economy can be viewed. However, in order to have real impact, feminists must go beyond contributing their experiences but must challenge the fundamental concepts of IR itself.

                J. Ann Tickner’s work is important because it talks about the voices which have been ignored in the field of IR till now. And I think her work opens doors to new possibilities: who knows what insights in to the discipline the female perspective will help us gain. It’s intriguing.