Constructivism and Feminism Ideas Identity and Gender Article Review

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Feminism and International Relations

Tickner discusses Morgenthau's 'six principles of political realism', refuting the notion that international politics is a realistic, masculine domain. Tickner offers a feminist perspective on Morgenthau's theory. She believes that the fundamental flaw in Morgenthau's article is that it is defined by masculinity. She argues that men are overrepresented in the upper levels of international politics, specifically the realms of the military, diplomacy, and science. Women are making strides but not enough are advancing to the upper echelons. If a woman were to advance high enough, she would find herself in a hostile environment. Tickner (2012)writes on why international politics is dominated by men, she argues that the language is masculinized, women are portrayed as more apt to domestic interests, and that the world of international politics and academia is inhospitable to women.

Tickner (2012) summarizes Morgenthau's six points. The first point is that politics is ruled by objective laws. Second, interest is defined in regards to power, and it injects rationality into politics and negates the necessity of emotion. Third, power is the control of one man over another and is also an objective concept. Four, there is strain between morality and the necessities of political action. Five, morality is universal but self-interest is necessary at the state level.

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Six, human nature a pluralistic concept is the basis of political realism. After summarizing his points, Tickner (2012) makes the argument that his principles including his language are an incomplete description of international relations. She believes that his assumptions also benefit masculinity. Feminists, according to Tickner (2012), believe knowledge is socially constructed. She says that knowledge is socially constructed and that language transmits knowledge, making it vital to critique the words of Morgenthau. Objectivity, at least how Morgenthau presents it, is associated with masculinity, something absolute while subjectivity is feminine and irrational. Tickner says "women are socialized into a mode of thinking which contextual and narrative rather than formal and abstract" (Tickner, 2012). It is important to note how objectivity is a fundamental aspect of realism.

Morgenthau's ideal politician ("political man") is immoral and objective. He is unchained by the constraints of morality. This indicates Morgenthau's acceptance of Hobbesian competition for power between states on an international level. Yet, according to Tickner these bleak view on humanity and international relations ignores the role of cooperation and collective self-reliance. These concepts are not masculine, but more in tune with the feminist approach to international relations. Toward the end of the article, Tickner acknowledges Morgenthau's arguments; she is….....

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