POSC 2601 midterm - constructivism and feminism

constructivism key assumptions

National interest is not natural or fixed

Intersubjective facts matter

The process of meaning-making shapes power

Knowledge is historically and socially contextual

Anarchy is socially constructed

constructivism key differences from rationalism

States = social actors

Interests = constructed, variable

Anarchy = intersubjective reality

Institutions = social environments

intersubjectivity

the mutual understanding that people share during communication

narratives

stories we tell that shape who we are

disclosure

language has structure (grammar, metaphors, etc.)

identity

sense of self

feminism key assumptions

Commitment to justice

Gender shapes access w/impact on IR

Notions of masculinity and femininity pervade politics

IR impacts men and women differently

sex vs gender

Sex is the biological distinction between females and males, whereas gender is the personal traits and social positions that members of a society attach to being a female or male.

intersectionality

Overlapping of social categories such as race, class, gender as they apply to a given individual or group. Creates interdependent systems of discrimination/disadvantage

liberal feminism

- women's issues

- women's access to politics as a goal / object of analysis

critical femenism

- analysis of gendered discourse

- critique of patriarchy as a structure