Gender, Power, and Non-Governance: Is Female to Male as NGO Is to State?

This volume explores the gendered aspects of governance by examining the NGO/State relationship, highlighting how gender and governance constitute flexible, relational, and contingent systems of power.

Format: Hardback
Length: 298 pages
Publication date: 13 May 2022
Publisher: Berghahn Books

This volume, drawing on Sherry Ortner's analogy of "Female/Nature" and "Male/Culture," delves into the gendered aspects of governance by examining the NGO/State relationship. Through a comprehensive analysis of how NGOs and states perform gendered roles and actions, as well as the gender-based divisions of labor involved in various forms of institutional engagement, the volume sheds light on the ways in which gender and governance operate as flexible, relational, and contingent systems of power.

The chapters within this volume offer diverse perspectives on how governance projects both reproduce and challenge binaries. They explore the ways in which power relations are shaped by gender, ethnicity, class, and other social identities, and they examine the strategies employed by individuals and groups to challenge and transform these power dynamics.

One of the key themes explored in the volume is the role of NGOs in promoting gender equality and women's rights. The chapters highlight the contributions of NGOs in advocating for policy changes, providing services to marginalized communities, and mobilizing public support for gender-related issues. However, they also raise concerns about the potential limitations and challenges faced by NGOs in achieving their goals, such as the need for greater funding, institutional support, and political will.

Another important theme is the relationship between state power and civil society organizations. The chapters examine how states interact with NGOs, both positively and negatively, and they explore the ways in which these interactions shape the development of governance practices and policies. They also consider the challenges that NGOs face in engaging with states, such as the risk of repression, co-optation, and marginalization.

The volume also explores the gendered dimensions of international relations and global governance. The chapters examine how gender norms and stereotypes are perpetuated in international institutions, such as the United Nations, and how they impact the development of policies and practices. They also consider the ways in which women and gender-based organizations are mobilizing to challenge these norms and promote gender equality in global governance.

In conclusion, this volume provides a valuable contribution to the study of gender and governance. It offers a comprehensive analysis of the ways in which gender shapes governance practices and policies, and it provides insights into the strategies employed by individuals and groups to challenge and transform these power dynamics. The chapters are well-researched, well-written, and thought-provoking, and they will be of interest to scholars, policymakers, and activists working in the fields of gender, politics, and development.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781800734609