Module description
This module introduces students to the area of feminist politics through the lens of comparative politics, drawing on examples from various world regions and time periods to analyse similarities and differences across cases. It explores central topics in the study of women, gender and politics, covering issues such as women’s participation in social movements and political parties, women as voters and candidates in elections, representatives and leaders, in addition to women’s descriptive and substantive representation. It also discusses gender equality, gender mainstreaming and feminist policies including combating violence against women. This module explores vital issues in the field of feminist politics by comparing political outcomes in a variety of different cultural settings, at the national and sub-national level.
Assessment details
3,000 word essay (100%)
Educational aims & objectives
- Introduce students to concepts and debates in the field of women and politics.
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Develop their skills in systematic comparison and methodology that will add rigour to their research and help achieve valid and well-founded generalizations.
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Examine feminist policies including gender quotas, reproductive rights, combating violence against women and girls and sexual harassment
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Highlight the importance of conceptual and theoretical analysis.
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Equip students with a good knowledge of issues in comparative politics examined from a gender perspective.
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Provide students with a thorough understanding of political representation and public policies promoting women’s interests.
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Analyse the issue of gender politics in countries around the world.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this module, students will:
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critically evaluate the impact of gender on politics
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be able to approach the study of women and politics in a systematic, comparative and social-scientific way
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examine key issues in gender politics in different countries around the world
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be able to apply different theoretical frameworks and analytical toolkits using case studies and focused comparisons and reflect critically on the strengths and weaknesses of comparative methods.
Teaching pattern
MODULE STRUCTURE
Week 1: Introduction to Women and Politics
Week 2: Feminism and political representation
Week 3: Women’s movements and state feminism
Week 4: Doing research in feminist comparative politics and essay-writing
Week 5: Descriptive representation: Do gender quotas work?
Week 6: Women’s substantive representation
Week 7: Gender and political parties
Week 8: Women, elections and political activism
Week 9: Feminist policies and combating violence against women
Week 10: Gender equality