PLT2750

Gender in Asian politics

Proposed to be offered next in 1999

Susan Blackburn

8 points
* 3 hours per week
* Clayton

Objectives On successful completion of this subject students should be able to use gender as a tool of analysis in politics; appreciate a conception of politics broadened to include power relations outside government; understand the political systems and gender politics of at least two Asian countries; critically analyse research materials on Asia; formulate relevant, coherent and documented arguments on the politics of gender in Asia.

Synopsis The subject starts with discussion of the meaning of the terms `gender' and `politics', in an attempt to understand them in the Asian context. It then progresses to an investigation of a number of important themes in Asian politics as it relates to gender, including the role of gender relations in nationalist movements, the significance of political and religious ideologies for gender relations, representation in public life, politics at the local level, development policies and gender, and Asian women's movements. A key organising concept will be the significance of the state in shaping and being shaped by gender relations in Asian countries.

Assessment Two essays (1500 words and 2500 words): 20% and 40%
* Examination (2 hours): 40%

Preliminary reading

Matsui Y Women's Asia Zed Books, 1991

Recommended texts

Agarwal B (ed.) Structures of patriarchy: The state, the community and the household Zed Books, 1988
Nelson B J and Chowdhury N (eds) Women and politics worldwide Yale U P, 1994
Stivens M (ed.) Why gender matters in Southeast Asian politics Monash U, 1991