Women’s Empowerment Across Borders: Theories of Transnational Flows and the Travels of Feminist Theories and Practice

• In Event: 366 - Open Refereed Roundtable Session II
  In Refereed Roundtable: B. Table 15. Theory II

Abstract

This paper looks at a handful of the most influential sociological, cultural, and development theories and examines how these theories have been applied to the global movement of ideologies, policy, and practice, specifically those related to women’s initiatives. This is done through a brief survey of world-systems theory, world polity theory, post-colonialism, post-development, and hybridity theories and an analysis of how these models have been used to explore gender inequality within a global context. After examining the contributions and limitations of each theory, I will argue that each frame presents transnational movement as essentially a linear process, failing to address the recursivity embedded within transnational flows. By highlighting the importance of a recursive approach, this paper seeks to provide support for the need for future studies examining how flows of theory and practice impact not only women living in the margins but also those carrying theory and practice from the core.

Author

• Heidi E. Rademacher, State University of New York-Stony Brook