Gender & Politics Essay Question Flashcards
A: Transformations under Classic Neoliberalism: - Neoliberalism’s Emergence and Intellectual Foundations
- Market-driven policies, privatization, reduction of state involvement.
- Influenced by economists like Friedrich Hayek and Ludwig von Mises.
- Shaped by the Washington Consensus promoting minimal state intervention and global market integration.
A: Transformations under Classic Neoliberalism: Feminism
- Shift from collective emancipation and social solidarity to individual autonomy and market participation.
- Emergence of neoliberal feminism emphasizing personal success and empowerment within capitalism.
- Nancy Fraser’s critique: Depoliticization of feminist movements aligning with neoliberal agendas.
A: Transformations under Classic Neoliberalism: Welfare
- Shift from state-managed welfare to market-driven solutions.
- Introduction of workfare regimes requiring labor market participation for social benefits.
- Dual burden on women, reinforcing gender inequalities.
A: Transformations under Classic Neoliberalism: Social Reproduction and Care
- Crisis of social reproduction due to neoliberal focus on market efficiency and individual responsibility.
- Withdrawal of state support and commodification of care services.
- Increased social inequality and deepened care crisis, disproportionately affecting women.
B: Transformations under Illiberalism: Rise and Characteristics of Illiberalism
- Centralization of power, erosion of democratic norms, promotion of traditional values.
- Leaders like Viktor Orbán (Hungary) and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan (Turkey).
- Manipulation of legal and institutional frameworks to entrench power.
B: Transformations under Illiberalism: Impact on Gender Equality
- Co-optation of feminist ideals for nationalist and conservative agendas (femonationalism).
- Superficial support for women’s rights while undermining gender equality.
- Restrictive reproductive policies and promotion of traditional gender roles.
B: Transformations under Illiberalism: Illiberal Welfare Reforms
- Blend of neoliberal and traditionalist elements.
- Favoring middle-class families with tax credits and family allowances.
- Exacerbation of social stratification and increased vulnerability for marginalized groups.
B: Transformations under Illiberalism: Reinforcement of Traditional Gender Roles
- Policies reinforcing traditional gender roles in social reproduction and care.
- Support for traditional family structures, marginalization of single parents and the unemployed.
- Burden of care disproportionately falling on women, especially from poorer backgrounds.
C: Responses and Resistance to Contemporary Challenges: Feminist Resistence to Neoliberalism
- Grassroots activism and use of digital spaces for mobilization (e.g., #MeToo, global women’s marches).
- Emphasis on intersectionality and interconnectedness of various forms of oppression.
- Reignition of feminist activism focusing on collective action and systemic change.
C: Responses and Resistance to Contemporary Challenges: Resistence to Illiberalism
- Direct threats from state policies undermining gender equality.
- Massive protests and mobilizations (e.g., Poland’s protests against restrictive abortion laws).
- Formation of coalitions with pro-democracy and human rights groups to oppose conservative policies.
C: Responses and Resistance to Contemporary Challenges: Transnational Organizing and Broad Alliances
- Sharing resources, strategies, and support across borders.
- International networks and campaigns advocating for gender equality (e.g., Istanbul Convention).
C: Responses and Resistance to Contemporary Challenges: Repolitisizing Feminism
- Reclaiming radical roots and emphasizing structural change over individual empowerment.
- Challenging neoliberal co-optation and focusing on collective action for systemic inequalities.
- Connection with broader social justice struggles.
C: Responses and Resistance to Contemporary Challenges: Innovative Forms of Activism
- Use of digital tools, artistic expression, and community organizing.
- Engagement of new generations and diverse constituencies.
- Sustaining momentum and adapting to changing political contexts.
Conclusion
- Transformations under neoliberalism and illiberalism present significant challenges to gender equality.
- Feminist movements demonstrate resilience and adaptability through broad alliances, intersectional politics, repoliticizing agendas, and innovative activism.
- These strategies offer hope for a more equitable and just future, actively promoting gender equality.
