constructivism and feminism Flashcards
what is constructivism
essentially a framework that argues that ideas matter and have independent effect. It therefore encompasses idealism.
why does constructivism changes realism
because realism doesn’t explain how (1) change occurs, and how (2) identities are formed
what are the assumptions of constructivism
1). Ideas matter and have an independent effect upon human behavior and organization. Example: We often think that duelling or slavery went out of style because it was inefficient – but since duelling was never efficient and slavery was not in economic decline in the Southeast U.S. in the middle of the nineteenth century, we can see that what changed it is the impact that both practices were obsolete and undesirable.
_(2). Ideas affect what people want and how they want to go about getting it (preferences/strategies).
what are the three problems of constructivism
_(1). Constructivism is young, and it lacks a coherent and reproducible theory of learning and how ideas are transmitted.
_(2). Constructivism has no theory of selection: why certain ideas flourish and others die out.
_(3). It is very difficult to measure the impact of ideas.
what does Alexander Wendt argues about anarchy
Anarchy in the international system is more than just the absence of overarching authority Anarchy is what is states socially made of it. Even in anarchy there are types of order that states make. Very debatable (realists reject that anarchy is anything).
what did James Lee Ray did
an article. he wanted to examine whether the incidence of war can be eliminated by delegitimizing the idea of war, by comparing it with the delegitimizations of slavery and colonialism which ended those practices.
know James Lee Ray’s article by heart
by heart
what are norms
Norms are expectations of behavior
For a norm to persist, it must be reproduced through some sort of teaching, although it may evolve over time and across geography. Rarely is a norm universally accepted within a given population, and there are often sizable exceptions.
what Post-modernism tries to explain
why certain groups: women, minorities, and the developing world are disadvantaged.
what are the assumptions of Post-modernism
_(1). Reality is defined by the structure of language (discourse).
_(2). Determining a perspective within reality depends on the reference point of the viewer.
_(3). Reality is therefore relative: there is no objective/subjective or empirical/normative distinction.
_(4). The structure of language also represents power relations (sometimes domination): by speaking a certain language, you unconsciously accept its reality.
_(5). By deconstructing language or narrative, critical theorists attempt to emancipate people trapped by language relations (most often women, minorities, and the developing world).
what are the problems of post-modernism
(1). The main problem with critical theory is that lacks a reproducible epistemology: because it is relativistic and based on reference points, there is no reproducible way of determining whether any of its findings are in fact true. Its truth value is entirely dependent on individual reaction.
_(2). As with constructivism, it is extremely difficult to test: there is no consistent method of deconstructing a language.
what are the assumptions of feminist post-modernism
_(1). The structure of language domination has led to two sets of ideas: feminine set of ideals (which emphasizes nurturing and cooperation) and masculine sets of ideals (domination
_(2). There are no biological causes of behavioral differences between men and women (not all feminists believe this, but the critical theory feminists do): differences of behavior are the result of the socialization of ideas: feminine for women and masculine for men.
_(3). The international state of affairs is largely a product of the domination created by the masculine ideal. Therefore, if the masculine ideal is replaced by the feminine ideal, we would have a world run more peacefully.
_(4). Feminine ideals are desirable because they are life-giving and male ideals are undesirable because dominating.
give at least three examples of masculine ideals
(a) Distinguish between self and nature into subject and object (facilitates domination);
(b) Places objectivity over subjectivity;
(c) Empirical over normative;
(d) Abstract over narrative;
(e) Logic over reason;
(f) Individuality over community;
what does at J. Ann Tickner’s assessment: do
She applies the logic of feminist critical theory to Morgenthau’s six principles of political realism and suggests a feminist reconception.
what are the six feminist critiques of realism ( J. Ann Tickner’s assessment )
_(1). Objectivity is masculine, so dynamic objectivity is better: where dynamic objectivity acknowledges the independent integrity of the outside world and our connection with it.
_(2). National interest is not simply about power, but is multidimensional and interdependent.
_(3). Power is not a universal concept (masculine): it misses collective empowerment (feminine).
_(4). Normative and empirical inseparable.
_(5). Moral aspirations of nations cannot be reconciled with universal moral principles, but there are common moral elements.
_(6). Denies the autonomy of the political.
