Gender Perspectives

Page history last edited by Jasmine Ganeshalingam 14 years ago

Origins
Key Thinkers
Theory
Impact
Critique
Bibliography

Origins

Gender perspectives offer a critique and analysis of the main integration theories; it does not constitute a theory itself. It particularly focuses on a feminist perspective on the integration theories of the European Union and critically examines the predominance of implicit male norms to power. Until recently, gender perspectives at least from a feminist point of view have been very limited, “both the core of EU policy-making and many of the key concepts in theorizing European integration remain virtually untouched by feminist analysis” (Hoskyns 2004). Nevertheless there are some female scholars who have examined the integration theories put forward from a feminist viewpoint. Feminist critique is and has proven to be very important in achieving equal rights for women (e.g. Defrenne cases) [1]

Key Thinkers

There are a number of scholars who have attempted to define the gender dynamics within the European Union. Catherine Hoskyns article on gender perspectives within the European Union has proven to be a big influence amongst other writers. Hoskyns particularly focuses on the separations of the economic from the social; the emphasis placed on abstract concepts such as state and nation she believes disadvantage women in the EU.

“The EU they [integration theories] have helped to construct is one which, despite the policy initiatives, in its overall shape has disadvantaged many women and partially at least deprived them of a voice. This is as a result of the continuing separation of the economic from the social.” (Hoskyns 2003)

Other scholars such as Shaw and Flynn have also attempted to invoke gender sensitive analysis into areas of the European Union, particularly regarding Law and policy. Annica Kronsell recently undertook a detailed analysis on the theories of European Integration from a feminist perspective.

“While integration theories have been concerned with trying to understand the ‘nature’ of the integration process, they have made minimal contributions to understanding its gender power dynamics”. (Kronsell 2005)

Theory

Recently, Feminist writers have created a sufficient amount of work on gender perspectives on the Integration theories; rather than being seen as a theory itself, gender perspectives is aimed at giving a viewpoint on the already existing theories therefore covering a wide range of theoretical ground. Feminist scholars critique that state centric theories such as intergovernmentalism focus on the concept of the ‘state’ ignoring the relationship between state and nation. Furthermore it is well acknowledged that the majority of individuals in government power are male therefore this focus on the state allows this ‘man in power norm’ to prevail. Integration theories which provide that there are a large amount of actors that contribute to the integration process are regarded by Feminists as being more sensitive to gender issues. Theories such as neo-functionalism and multi-level governance highlight the importance of interest groups and their complicated web of interaction. Nevertheless, although these theories and feminist perspectives share the same understanding of power, they fail to mention the predominance of interest groups focused on economy over other gender sensitive groups such as ‘The European Women’s Lobby’. Constructivism is regarded as being the most gender sensitive theory due to its focus on social construction.

“Constructivist approaches have commonalities with feminist agendas because...they share an ontology of becoming – seeing the world not as one but as one becoming” (Kronsell 2005)

Additionally the constructivist approach to European Integration is argued by feminist scholars as being influenced by feminist critical work, putting an emphasis on social relations and taking the same minimal view of power.

Impact

Gender perspectives on integration theories has created a more modern field of analysis whilst also undertaking a wide range of approaches in order to understand the integration process from a predominantly female perspective. This type of critique has been valuable in highlighting gaps in the integration theories especially regarding the separation of the economic from the social. With regards to the effect for women, there has been a greater increase in equality such as equal pay (Article 141 EC). Additionally women and gender perspectives have had a great impact on ‘equal treatment’ for women in law and the labour market. With regards to impact on theories, the theory that seems to have been most influenced by feminist critique is constructivism. Its focus on organizations means that there is a greater focus on the individual because any individual acting in that institution or part taking becomes part of the system.

Critique

In gender perspectives, the implicit viewpoint is the subordinate treatment of women to men with regards of power. However looking at the Europa website (http://ec.europa.eu/social/main.jsp?catId=418) the general message is that equal treatment of men and women regarding policy, employment, citizenship and law is improving, nevertheless gender gaps still remain.