The big idea: Feminist theory is the theory that says gender shapes global politics — and that mainstream theories, by ignoring women's experiences, only tell half the story. It asks: where are the women? and how does gender shape power?
Feminist theory is the 'look at gender' lens. It argues that global politics — war, security, the state, the economy — has been built and studied mostly by and about men, so it misses how the world looks, and works, for women.
- Gender shapes power — global politics is not gender-neutral; it is shaped by ideas of masculinity and femininity.
- Women are marginalised — their experiences and voices are too often left out of politics and study.
- Rethink 'security' — real security includes everyday safety (from violence, poverty), not just state armies.
- Bring in the hidden — the unpaid and invisible work, often done by women, that holds economies up.
'Gender' is not just 'women': Feminist theory studies gender — the social ideas of masculinity and femininity — not only women. It shows how a 'tough', 'masculine' idea of the state and of security shapes decisions about war and peace, and asks what that leaves out.
Free preview
This is the free notes preview
You're reading the free notes. Aimnova Pro unlocks the full study experience — and you can try it with your first topic free to keep:
- FlashcardsLock in vocabulary and key terms with spaced repetition.
- Practice questionsAnswer exam-style questions and get instant AI marking.
- Mock exams & past-paper vaultSit full mocks and see exactly how examiners award marks.
- Personalised study planA daily plan built around your exam date and weak areas.
A clear example of feminist ideas changing real politics is the recognition that women experience war differently — captured in UN Resolution 1325.
Case study — women, peace and security (UNSCR 1325, 2000): In 2000, the UN passed Resolution 1325. It recognised women's distinct experience of conflict and called for their inclusion in peacebuilding — because peace made without half the population is less likely to last.
The problem it answered
- For most of history, war and peace were treated as men's business.
- Women and girls suffer war in distinct ways (including sexual violence).
- They are often excluded from the peace talks that follow.
This shows the feminist point in action: a 'gender-neutral' view of war missed how conflict hits women, and who is left out of peace. Adding the gender lens revealed a gap the other theories did not see — and changed how the UN approaches peace.
The key point: Feminist theory reveals what a 'gender-blind' view of global politics misses: how gender shapes power, war and security, and how women's experiences are left out. Resolution 1325 shows the payoff — seeing gender made for a fuller, and potentially more durable, approach to peace.
Practice with exam-style questions
Answer exam-style questions and get AI feedback that shows you exactly what examiners want to see in a full-marks response.
Does feminist theory complete the picture other theories miss, or is it too narrow? Weigh both sides.
Link it up: Feminist theory is a powerful critical voice: it challenges realism's 'gender-neutral' state and liberalism's institutions by asking who is left out. It links straight to human security, rights and the HL theme of equality.
How feminist theory comes up in Paper 1: A Paper 1 source might leave out whole groups' experiences. Bring the feminist question: how does gender shape what is happening here, and who is missing?
With reference to a source and one example you have studied, explain how feminist theory sees global politics.
Model answer plan
See the mark-by-mark plan — for / against / judgement, with marking guidance — in study mode.
Easy marks to lose: 1. Saying it is 'just about women'. It is about gender — masculinity and femininity.
2. Forgetting it rethinks 'security'. That is a key move.
3. No real example. Use UNSCR 1325 / women, peace and security.
4. Dismissing it as niche. Note it has changed real policy.