Feminism and Environmentalism in Political Implication

A. Feminist Theory

A body of scholarship that emphasizes gender in the study of world politics. Emerging from the social feminist movement to promote the political equality of women with men, critiquing sexual biases and challenging gender roles that encourage female subordination and warfare.

Feminist theories of international relations argue that the foundation of war worldwide is rooted in the masculine ethos of realism, which prepares people to accept war and to respect the warrior as hero. Gender roles, they assert, supported by realist values contribute to the prevalence of militarism and warfare.

Feminist perspective on international relations: It pointed out that both the analysis and the practice of international relations had historically been based on male-dominating thinking. Few females obtained leading roles in international diplomacy or international policy community, and few females entered academic or analytical professions concerned with international relations. This male dominance leads states to be aggressive and favorably disposed toward conflict.

International relations theory as it has evolved incorporates “masculinity” prejudices: Realists are “androcentric” in arguing that the propensity for conflict is universal in human nature (“man”); that the world is anarchy in which sovereign state must be prepared to rely on self-help, including organized violence (“war”).