Predicting Gender Violence in India: A Counterintuitive Theoretical Approach

Argues that feminist international relations (IR) theory has inadvertently resulted in a biased worldview, the very opposite of what feminist IR set out to try to rectify. This book contests theoretical presumptions of Western feminist IR and attempts to reformulate it in contexts of non-Western cultures.

\n Format: Hardback
\n Length: 334 pages
\n Publication date: 30 October 2020
\n Publisher: Academica Press
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In her thought-provoking new book, Shritha Vasudevan makes a compelling case that feminist international relations (IR) theory has inadvertently perpetuated a biased worldview, contrary to its initial intentions of rectifying gender inequalities. This book challenges the theoretical assumptions of Western feminist IR and seeks to reimagine it in the context of non-Western cultures. Vasudevan skillfully employs the frameworks of IR to examine the implications for India.

The central hypothesis of this book posits that the Convention on the Elimination of all forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW) holds predictive validity and is not a top-down norm imposed by international institutions. Rather, it emerges from the material and contingent experiences of nation-states. By delving into the issue of gender-based violence (GBV) under the CEDAW, this book adds a unique perspective to the ongoing debate between feminist qualitative and quantitative IR.

Vasudevan begins by critiquing the dominant theoretical frameworks within Western feminist IR, which often overlook the complexities and nuances of non-Western cultures. She argues that these frameworks tend to universalize women's experiences and overlook the unique challenges and struggles faced by women in different parts of the world. To address this gap, Vasudevan proposes a reformulation of feminist IR theory that takes into account the cultural and historical contexts of different nations.

One of the key arguments in the book is that the CEDAW is not a static document that prescribes a one-size-fits-all approach to gender equality. Instead, it is a living instrument that can be adapted and interpreted based on the specific experiences and needs of nation-states. Vasudevan demonstrates how this adaptability can be seen in the implementation of the Convention in India, where it has been used as a tool to combat gender-based violence and promote women's rights.

Through her analysis, Vasudevan highlights the limitations of traditional IR theories that prioritize the interests of powerful nations and overlook the experiences of marginalized groups. She argues that feminist IR should be more inclusive and intersectional, taking into account the diverse experiences of women across different social, economic, and cultural backgrounds.

The book also explores the role of international institutions in promoting gender equality and combating gender-based violence. Vasudevan argues that these institutions should be more responsive to the needs and experiences of women in non-Western cultures and should work towards building partnerships and collaborations that support women's rights and empowerment.

In conclusion, Shritha Vasudevan's book is a timely and important contribution to the field of feminist IR. It challenges the theoretical assumptions of Western feminist IR and proposes a reformulation that takes into account the cultural and historical contexts of different nations. By examining the issue of gender-based violence under the CEDAW, the book adds a unique perspective to the debate between feminist qualitative and quantitative IR. This book will be of interest to scholars, researchers, and activists working in the field of gender equality and international relations.

\n Weight: 596g\n
Dimension: 157 x 236 x 25 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781680530926\n \n