How, if at all can IR be "degendered"?
The best way to erase gender in IR theory is for more women to step up
to the plate.
How can females be heard over the din of male theorists?
Tickner describes her frustration with "traditional notions of national
security... becoming dysfunctional" (Kaufman 739). She goes on to
express her opinion that this dysfunctionality comes from "unequal
gender relations. The relationship between protectors and protected
depends on gender inequalities; a militarized version of security
privileges masculine characteristics and elevates men to the status of
first class citizens by virtue of their role as providers of security"
(Ibid.). In essence, the preponderance of male thinkers is causing the
dysfunction and shortfalls in IR theory today. Without leveling the
playing field and allowing gender-neutral international relations theory
to be published, there can be no accurate and effective discourse:
In other words, the achievement of peace, economic justice,
and ecological sustainability is inseparable from overcoming
social relations of domination and subordination; genuine security
requires not only the absence of war but also the elimination of
unjust social relations, including unequal gender relations. (739-40)
As more non-male voices are heard, Tickner feels the gender walls will
fall and more productive discourse may be achieved.
Source: Kaufman