Die Analyse der internationalen Beziehungen 1 aus einem "geschlechter-sensiblen" Blickwinkel, als... more Die Analyse der internationalen Beziehungen 1 aus einem "geschlechter-sensiblen" Blickwinkel, also aus einer Perspektive, die nach dem Zusammenhang von Geschlechterverhältnis und internationaler Politik fragt, gehört zu den neueren Entwicklungen politikwissenschaftlicher Forschung. 2 Im Zentrum feministischer Analysen 3 steht dabei die Kategorie "gender". 4 Dass die Geschlechterverhältnisse genauso wie Vorstellungen von "Mann" und "Frau", Männlichkeit" und "Weiblichkeit" keine statischen Kategorien sind, sondern viel mehr kulturspezifische, historisch variable, soziale Konstrukte, wurde bereits vor Jahrzehnten von Feministinnen proklamiert. Liberale Vorstellungen von der Gleichheit der Geschlechter, sozialistische Analysen der geschlechtsspezifischen Arbeitsteilung, Freud'sche Annahmen über die Entwicklung von Identitäten sowie funktionalistische Einsichten in Geschlechterrollen erschütterten Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts auf grundlegende Art die Vorstellung, dass gender biologisch bzw. natürlich gegeben ist. In den späten 1960er und 1970er Jahren argumentierten Protagonistinnen der Zweiten Frauenbewegung 1 Die Kleinschreibung "internationale Beziehungen" indiziert den Bezug auf die konkrete internationale Politik, während mit der Großschreibung auf die wissenschaftliche Teildisziplin verwiesen wird. 2 Wir können in dieser Einleitung leider keinen vollständigen Literaturüberblick geben. Auslassungen sind den Beschränkungen des Raumes geschuldet. 3 Der Kollektivbegriff "Feminismus" bezeichnet eine Vielfalt ausdifferenzierter theoretischer Ansätze, deren gemeinsame normative Zielsetzung in der Gleichberechtigung von Frauen besteht 4 V. Spike Peterson (1992: 194) definiert gender als "systematic social construction that dichotomizes identities, behaviors, and expectations as masculine and feminine". Gender bezieht sich daher nicht nur auf individuelle, sozial konstruierte Geschlechtsidentitäten, sondern stellt gleichzeitig ein institutionalisiertes Strukturmerkmal des gesellschaftlichen Lebens dar. Dies bedeutet, dass das Geschlechterverhältnis als konstitutiv betrachtet wird für die Organisation sozialer und damit auch polititischer Aktivitäten. Gender wird im Deutschen am besten wiedergegeben mit dem Begriff "Geschlechterverhältnisse", welcher die Mehrdimensionalität des Konzepts erfasst (Krell 1996: 150).
Die politische Steuerung des Geschlechterregimes, 2005
Im Zeitalter der Globalisierung hat die Frage von Regieren jenseits des Nationalstaates herausrag... more Im Zeitalter der Globalisierung hat die Frage von Regieren jenseits des Nationalstaates herausragende Bedeutung gewonnen. Damit rucken supranationale Institutionen wie die Europaische Union in das Zentrum politikwissenschaftlicher Betrachtung, treffen sie doch zunehmend mehr und mehr an politisch verbindlichen Entscheidungen. Fur die feministische Forschung bedeutet dies, dass sie ihr Augenmerk auf diese internationalen Institutionen lenken muss, nicht zuletzt, um deren Bedeutung fur die Formulierung und Implementierung von Gleichstellungspolitiken auszuloten. Insbesondere geht es dabei um die Fragen, welche spezifischen Normen, Regeln und Verfahren, welche Strukturen und welche besondere institutionelle Kultur die Europaische Union pragen — Faktoren und Eigenschaften, die ihrerseits wiederum Auswirkungen auf die Handlungsmoglichkeiten frauenpolitischer AkteurInnen haben.
Frauenhandel ist kein neues Phanomen: Bereits im 19. Jahrhundert gab es von der historischen Fors... more Frauenhandel ist kein neues Phanomen: Bereits im 19. Jahrhundert gab es von der historischen Forschung dokumentierte Debatten uber Frauenhandel, die sich um den schillernden Begriff der „weisen Sklaverei“ rankten.2 Seit Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts existiert ein internationales Regime gegen Frauen- und Menschenhandel, das mit Hilfe verschiedener Abkommen, nicht zuletzt im Rahmen des Volkerbundes und der Vereinten Nationen, Unterzeichnerstaaten zur Wahrnehmung und Bekampfung des Problems verpflichtet (Ucarer 1999). Nach der Verabschiedung der letzten UN-Konvention gegen Menschenhandel 1949 ist es fur einige Jahrzehnte um das Thema sehr ruhig geworden. Seit dem Fall der Berliner Mauer und der Auflosung des Warschauer Pakts hat das Problem nicht zuletzt in Europa jedoch wieder an Brisanz ge-wonnen: Wahrend es in den 1970er und 80er Jahren vor allem Frauen aus Asien und Afrika waren, die als Prostituierte in die EU kamen, sind es seit Anfang der 1990er Jahre mehr und mehr Frauen aus Polen, Tschechien und anderen osteuropaischen Landern, die von Menschenhandlern in die Europaische Union geschleust werden. Im Kontext dieser neuen Ausweitung des Frauenhandels hat die Thematik seit den spaten 1980er Jahren wieder erhohte „diskursive“ Aufmerksamkeit auf sich gezogen. Waren es anfangs vor allem nicht-staatliche Organisationen, Menschenrechts-NGOs, Frauengruppen, religiose Vereinigungen und engagierte Feministinnen,3 die auf die Problematik
... Classical Approaches and New Theoretical Challenges 35 2.1 Classical Integration Theories:Lim... more ... Classical Approaches and New Theoretical Challenges 35 2.1 Classical Integration Theories:Limits and Shortcomings ... "It is evident that no single country, nor institution or agency alone will ... regime has been built up and institutional-ized through various agreements since the ...
Trafficking and related practices such as debt bondage, forced prostitution and forced labor are ... more Trafficking and related practices such as debt bondage, forced prostitution and forced labor are violations of the most basic of all human rights. The right to life; the right to dignity and security; the right to just and favorable conditions of work; the right to health and the right to equality. These are rights, which we all possessirrespective of our sex, or nationality, our social status, our occupation or other difference. (...) It is a basic human rights issue because it involves such a massive and harmful form of discrimination.
my dissertation committee chair, reluctantly allowed me to "jump off the deep end" and in the end... more my dissertation committee chair, reluctantly allowed me to "jump off the deep end" and in the end taught me "how to swim." Dr. Pam Baker, a dissertation committee member, supported and guided me through every step of this journey, to include medical, physical and personal matters. Dr. Rick Brigham, a dissertation committee member, was the first person to encourage me to pursue my doctorate degree while taking a masters level course with him. Dr. Anne-Marie Balzano, a professor and friend, supported and encouraged me throughout the doctoral program. She offered her friendship and unconditional support from the moment I met her. Mr. Larry Flood, uncle and benefactor, ultimately provided me the opportunity to complete my degree. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to you for your generosity. The co-teachers and assistant principals in my study, thank you for sharing your experiences with me and providing such rich insight into your work. v TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables .
The discipline of international relations~IR! is witnessing a "constructivist turn." In this arti... more The discipline of international relations~IR! is witnessing a "constructivist turn." In this article, we argue that the new preoccupation with constructivism provides a unique opportunity to further understanding between feminism and the IR mainstream. Feminism and constructivism share a commitment to an ontology of becoming that can serve as a common basis for conversation. Yet there are also profound differences between feminists and constructivists. First, most IR feminists approach gender and power as integral elements in processes of construction, whereas most constructivists consider power to be external to such processes. This failure to conceptualize power and gender as social and pervasive leads constructivists to miss an important part of the empirical reality of power politics. Second, constructivists tend to ignore the implications of a postpositivist epistemology, whereas for feminists the question of "Who knows?" is crucial. We argue that the constructivist failure to problematize the research process as a social~and therefore political! process of construction is logically inconsistent with an ontology of becoming. We introduce empirical materials to illustrate the advantages of feminist approaches. We hope to advance a dialogue between feminism and constructivism because the two approaches add to each other and in combination can yield better theoretical and empirical understandings of the world. Seeking greater understanding across theoretical divides, and the scientific and political cultures that sustain them, might be the best model if feminist international theory is to have a future within the discipline.-J. A. Tickner~1997:630! We will only "understand" each other if IR scholars are open to the important questions that feminist theories raise, and if feminists are willing to formulate their hypotheses in ways that are testable-and falsifiable-with evidence.-R. O. Keohane~1998:197! The imagery of increasingly better understanding based on clearer and more open communication and rational tactics misses a crucial issue. This is that what structures these debates "remains unspeakable @and unhearable# within the very terms in which the @debates# proceed." I use Judith Butler's point here to argue that it seems incongruous to expect a fruitful outcome~for feminists! from a debate between feminists and
The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding Europeanintegration. It... more The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding Europeanintegration. It offers a conceptualization of such approaches as including a distinctontology, epistemology and methodology. While feminist literature on the EuropeanUnion is diverse, all such literature sheds light on the gendered process of Europeanintegration. The authors identify two distinct contributions of this literature: (a) itillustrates the relevance of movement actors and other advocates in shaping EU policies;(b) it shows that economic integration entails the creation of new gender regimes. Thepaper illustrates these contentions presenting case studies of the EU’s response to sextrafficking, the reform of the common agricultural policy, and of enlargement.
This chapter examines gender approaches to the study of European integration and their ontologica... more This chapter examines gender approaches to the study of European integration and their ontological claim that gender matters when probing the process of European integration. European integration is part of a sociopolitical world that is fundamentally structured by understandings of femininity and masculinity and contributes to reconstructing these understandings. Proponents of gender approaches argue that one can only fully understand and explain large parts of the European integration process with the help of a gender-sensitive perspective. The chapter first considers feminist explanations of gender equality policies at the European Union level before illustrating the contribution that gender and feminist analysis can make by presenting empirical case studies on trafficking in women and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It also discusses EU enlargement from the perspective of gender politics, emphasizing the EU’s validation of hegemonic masculinity in the process of enlargement.
The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding European integration. I... more The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding European integration. It offers a conceptualization of such approaches as including a distinct ontology, epistemology and methodology. While feminist literature on the European Union is diverse, all such literature sheds light on the gendered process of European integration. The authors identify two distinct contributions of this literature: (a) it illustrates the relevance of movement actors and other advocates in shaping EU policies; (b) it shows that economic integration entails the creation of new gender regimes. The paper illustrates these contentions presenting case studies of the EU's response to sex trafficking, the reform of the common agricultural policy, and of enlargement.
The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding Europeanintegration. It... more The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding Europeanintegration. It offers a conceptualization of such approaches as including a distinctontology, epistemology and methodology. While feminist literature on the EuropeanUnion is diverse, all such literature sheds light on the gendered process of Europeanintegration. The authors identify two distinct contributions of this literature: (a) itillustrates the relevance of movement actors and other advocates in shaping EU policies;(b) it shows that economic integration entails the creation of new gender regimes. Thepaper illustrates these contentions presenting case studies of the EU’s response to sextrafficking, the reform of the common agricultural policy, and of enlargement.
The discipline of international relations~IR! is witnessing a "constructivist turn." In this arti... more The discipline of international relations~IR! is witnessing a "constructivist turn." In this article, we argue that the new preoccupation with constructivism provides a unique opportunity to further understanding between feminism and the IR mainstream. Feminism and constructivism share a commitment to an ontology of becoming that can serve as a common basis for conversation. Yet there are also profound differences between feminists and constructivists. First, most IR feminists approach gender and power as integral elements in processes of construction, whereas most constructivists consider power to be external to such processes. This failure to conceptualize power and gender as social and pervasive leads constructivists to miss an important part of the empirical reality of power politics. Second, constructivists tend to ignore the implications of a postpositivist epistemology, whereas for feminists the question of "Who knows?" is crucial. We argue that the constructivist failure to problematize the research process as a social~and therefore political! process of construction is logically inconsistent with an ontology of becoming. We introduce empirical materials to illustrate the advantages of feminist approaches. We hope to advance a dialogue between feminism and constructivism because the two approaches add to each other and in combination can yield better theoretical and empirical understandings of the world. Seeking greater understanding across theoretical divides, and the scientific and political cultures that sustain them, might be the best model if feminist international theory is to have a future within the discipline.
Die Analyse der internationalen Beziehungen 1 aus einem "geschlechter-sensiblen" Blickwinkel, als... more Die Analyse der internationalen Beziehungen 1 aus einem "geschlechter-sensiblen" Blickwinkel, also aus einer Perspektive, die nach dem Zusammenhang von Geschlechterverhältnis und internationaler Politik fragt, gehört zu den neueren Entwicklungen politikwissenschaftlicher Forschung. 2 Im Zentrum feministischer Analysen 3 steht dabei die Kategorie "gender". 4 Dass die Geschlechterverhältnisse genauso wie Vorstellungen von "Mann" und "Frau", Männlichkeit" und "Weiblichkeit" keine statischen Kategorien sind, sondern viel mehr kulturspezifische, historisch variable, soziale Konstrukte, wurde bereits vor Jahrzehnten von Feministinnen proklamiert. Liberale Vorstellungen von der Gleichheit der Geschlechter, sozialistische Analysen der geschlechtsspezifischen Arbeitsteilung, Freud'sche Annahmen über die Entwicklung von Identitäten sowie funktionalistische Einsichten in Geschlechterrollen erschütterten Mitte des 20. Jahrhunderts auf grundlegende Art die Vorstellung, dass gender biologisch bzw. natürlich gegeben ist. In den späten 1960er und 1970er Jahren argumentierten Protagonistinnen der Zweiten Frauenbewegung 1 Die Kleinschreibung "internationale Beziehungen" indiziert den Bezug auf die konkrete internationale Politik, während mit der Großschreibung auf die wissenschaftliche Teildisziplin verwiesen wird. 2 Wir können in dieser Einleitung leider keinen vollständigen Literaturüberblick geben. Auslassungen sind den Beschränkungen des Raumes geschuldet. 3 Der Kollektivbegriff "Feminismus" bezeichnet eine Vielfalt ausdifferenzierter theoretischer Ansätze, deren gemeinsame normative Zielsetzung in der Gleichberechtigung von Frauen besteht 4 V. Spike Peterson (1992: 194) definiert gender als "systematic social construction that dichotomizes identities, behaviors, and expectations as masculine and feminine". Gender bezieht sich daher nicht nur auf individuelle, sozial konstruierte Geschlechtsidentitäten, sondern stellt gleichzeitig ein institutionalisiertes Strukturmerkmal des gesellschaftlichen Lebens dar. Dies bedeutet, dass das Geschlechterverhältnis als konstitutiv betrachtet wird für die Organisation sozialer und damit auch polititischer Aktivitäten. Gender wird im Deutschen am besten wiedergegeben mit dem Begriff "Geschlechterverhältnisse", welcher die Mehrdimensionalität des Konzepts erfasst (Krell 1996: 150).
Die politische Steuerung des Geschlechterregimes, 2005
Im Zeitalter der Globalisierung hat die Frage von Regieren jenseits des Nationalstaates herausrag... more Im Zeitalter der Globalisierung hat die Frage von Regieren jenseits des Nationalstaates herausragende Bedeutung gewonnen. Damit rucken supranationale Institutionen wie die Europaische Union in das Zentrum politikwissenschaftlicher Betrachtung, treffen sie doch zunehmend mehr und mehr an politisch verbindlichen Entscheidungen. Fur die feministische Forschung bedeutet dies, dass sie ihr Augenmerk auf diese internationalen Institutionen lenken muss, nicht zuletzt, um deren Bedeutung fur die Formulierung und Implementierung von Gleichstellungspolitiken auszuloten. Insbesondere geht es dabei um die Fragen, welche spezifischen Normen, Regeln und Verfahren, welche Strukturen und welche besondere institutionelle Kultur die Europaische Union pragen — Faktoren und Eigenschaften, die ihrerseits wiederum Auswirkungen auf die Handlungsmoglichkeiten frauenpolitischer AkteurInnen haben.
Frauenhandel ist kein neues Phanomen: Bereits im 19. Jahrhundert gab es von der historischen Fors... more Frauenhandel ist kein neues Phanomen: Bereits im 19. Jahrhundert gab es von der historischen Forschung dokumentierte Debatten uber Frauenhandel, die sich um den schillernden Begriff der „weisen Sklaverei“ rankten.2 Seit Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts existiert ein internationales Regime gegen Frauen- und Menschenhandel, das mit Hilfe verschiedener Abkommen, nicht zuletzt im Rahmen des Volkerbundes und der Vereinten Nationen, Unterzeichnerstaaten zur Wahrnehmung und Bekampfung des Problems verpflichtet (Ucarer 1999). Nach der Verabschiedung der letzten UN-Konvention gegen Menschenhandel 1949 ist es fur einige Jahrzehnte um das Thema sehr ruhig geworden. Seit dem Fall der Berliner Mauer und der Auflosung des Warschauer Pakts hat das Problem nicht zuletzt in Europa jedoch wieder an Brisanz ge-wonnen: Wahrend es in den 1970er und 80er Jahren vor allem Frauen aus Asien und Afrika waren, die als Prostituierte in die EU kamen, sind es seit Anfang der 1990er Jahre mehr und mehr Frauen aus Polen, Tschechien und anderen osteuropaischen Landern, die von Menschenhandlern in die Europaische Union geschleust werden. Im Kontext dieser neuen Ausweitung des Frauenhandels hat die Thematik seit den spaten 1980er Jahren wieder erhohte „diskursive“ Aufmerksamkeit auf sich gezogen. Waren es anfangs vor allem nicht-staatliche Organisationen, Menschenrechts-NGOs, Frauengruppen, religiose Vereinigungen und engagierte Feministinnen,3 die auf die Problematik
... Classical Approaches and New Theoretical Challenges 35 2.1 Classical Integration Theories:Lim... more ... Classical Approaches and New Theoretical Challenges 35 2.1 Classical Integration Theories:Limits and Shortcomings ... "It is evident that no single country, nor institution or agency alone will ... regime has been built up and institutional-ized through various agreements since the ...
Trafficking and related practices such as debt bondage, forced prostitution and forced labor are ... more Trafficking and related practices such as debt bondage, forced prostitution and forced labor are violations of the most basic of all human rights. The right to life; the right to dignity and security; the right to just and favorable conditions of work; the right to health and the right to equality. These are rights, which we all possessirrespective of our sex, or nationality, our social status, our occupation or other difference. (...) It is a basic human rights issue because it involves such a massive and harmful form of discrimination.
my dissertation committee chair, reluctantly allowed me to "jump off the deep end" and in the end... more my dissertation committee chair, reluctantly allowed me to "jump off the deep end" and in the end taught me "how to swim." Dr. Pam Baker, a dissertation committee member, supported and guided me through every step of this journey, to include medical, physical and personal matters. Dr. Rick Brigham, a dissertation committee member, was the first person to encourage me to pursue my doctorate degree while taking a masters level course with him. Dr. Anne-Marie Balzano, a professor and friend, supported and encouraged me throughout the doctoral program. She offered her friendship and unconditional support from the moment I met her. Mr. Larry Flood, uncle and benefactor, ultimately provided me the opportunity to complete my degree. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to you for your generosity. The co-teachers and assistant principals in my study, thank you for sharing your experiences with me and providing such rich insight into your work. v TABLE OF CONTENTS List of Tables .
The discipline of international relations~IR! is witnessing a "constructivist turn." In this arti... more The discipline of international relations~IR! is witnessing a "constructivist turn." In this article, we argue that the new preoccupation with constructivism provides a unique opportunity to further understanding between feminism and the IR mainstream. Feminism and constructivism share a commitment to an ontology of becoming that can serve as a common basis for conversation. Yet there are also profound differences between feminists and constructivists. First, most IR feminists approach gender and power as integral elements in processes of construction, whereas most constructivists consider power to be external to such processes. This failure to conceptualize power and gender as social and pervasive leads constructivists to miss an important part of the empirical reality of power politics. Second, constructivists tend to ignore the implications of a postpositivist epistemology, whereas for feminists the question of "Who knows?" is crucial. We argue that the constructivist failure to problematize the research process as a social~and therefore political! process of construction is logically inconsistent with an ontology of becoming. We introduce empirical materials to illustrate the advantages of feminist approaches. We hope to advance a dialogue between feminism and constructivism because the two approaches add to each other and in combination can yield better theoretical and empirical understandings of the world. Seeking greater understanding across theoretical divides, and the scientific and political cultures that sustain them, might be the best model if feminist international theory is to have a future within the discipline.-J. A. Tickner~1997:630! We will only "understand" each other if IR scholars are open to the important questions that feminist theories raise, and if feminists are willing to formulate their hypotheses in ways that are testable-and falsifiable-with evidence.-R. O. Keohane~1998:197! The imagery of increasingly better understanding based on clearer and more open communication and rational tactics misses a crucial issue. This is that what structures these debates "remains unspeakable @and unhearable# within the very terms in which the @debates# proceed." I use Judith Butler's point here to argue that it seems incongruous to expect a fruitful outcome~for feminists! from a debate between feminists and
The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding Europeanintegration. It... more The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding Europeanintegration. It offers a conceptualization of such approaches as including a distinctontology, epistemology and methodology. While feminist literature on the EuropeanUnion is diverse, all such literature sheds light on the gendered process of Europeanintegration. The authors identify two distinct contributions of this literature: (a) itillustrates the relevance of movement actors and other advocates in shaping EU policies;(b) it shows that economic integration entails the creation of new gender regimes. Thepaper illustrates these contentions presenting case studies of the EU’s response to sextrafficking, the reform of the common agricultural policy, and of enlargement.
This chapter examines gender approaches to the study of European integration and their ontologica... more This chapter examines gender approaches to the study of European integration and their ontological claim that gender matters when probing the process of European integration. European integration is part of a sociopolitical world that is fundamentally structured by understandings of femininity and masculinity and contributes to reconstructing these understandings. Proponents of gender approaches argue that one can only fully understand and explain large parts of the European integration process with the help of a gender-sensitive perspective. The chapter first considers feminist explanations of gender equality policies at the European Union level before illustrating the contribution that gender and feminist analysis can make by presenting empirical case studies on trafficking in women and the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). It also discusses EU enlargement from the perspective of gender politics, emphasizing the EU’s validation of hegemonic masculinity in the process of enlargement.
The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding European integration. I... more The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding European integration. It offers a conceptualization of such approaches as including a distinct ontology, epistemology and methodology. While feminist literature on the European Union is diverse, all such literature sheds light on the gendered process of European integration. The authors identify two distinct contributions of this literature: (a) it illustrates the relevance of movement actors and other advocates in shaping EU policies; (b) it shows that economic integration entails the creation of new gender regimes. The paper illustrates these contentions presenting case studies of the EU's response to sex trafficking, the reform of the common agricultural policy, and of enlargement.
The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding Europeanintegration. It... more The paper assesses the contribution of gender approaches to understanding Europeanintegration. It offers a conceptualization of such approaches as including a distinctontology, epistemology and methodology. While feminist literature on the EuropeanUnion is diverse, all such literature sheds light on the gendered process of Europeanintegration. The authors identify two distinct contributions of this literature: (a) itillustrates the relevance of movement actors and other advocates in shaping EU policies;(b) it shows that economic integration entails the creation of new gender regimes. Thepaper illustrates these contentions presenting case studies of the EU’s response to sextrafficking, the reform of the common agricultural policy, and of enlargement.
The discipline of international relations~IR! is witnessing a "constructivist turn." In this arti... more The discipline of international relations~IR! is witnessing a "constructivist turn." In this article, we argue that the new preoccupation with constructivism provides a unique opportunity to further understanding between feminism and the IR mainstream. Feminism and constructivism share a commitment to an ontology of becoming that can serve as a common basis for conversation. Yet there are also profound differences between feminists and constructivists. First, most IR feminists approach gender and power as integral elements in processes of construction, whereas most constructivists consider power to be external to such processes. This failure to conceptualize power and gender as social and pervasive leads constructivists to miss an important part of the empirical reality of power politics. Second, constructivists tend to ignore the implications of a postpositivist epistemology, whereas for feminists the question of "Who knows?" is crucial. We argue that the constructivist failure to problematize the research process as a social~and therefore political! process of construction is logically inconsistent with an ontology of becoming. We introduce empirical materials to illustrate the advantages of feminist approaches. We hope to advance a dialogue between feminism and constructivism because the two approaches add to each other and in combination can yield better theoretical and empirical understandings of the world. Seeking greater understanding across theoretical divides, and the scientific and political cultures that sustain them, might be the best model if feminist international theory is to have a future within the discipline.
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Papers by Birgit Locher