Submission Date

4-29-2019

Document Type

Paper

Department

Gender & Women’s Studies

Second Department

International Relations

Adviser

Rebecca Evans

Second Adviser

Abigail Kluchin

Committee Member

Rebecca Evans

Committee Member

Abigail Kluchin

Committee Member

Julin Everett

Department Chair

Rebecca Evans

Department Chair

Abigail Kluchin

Project Description

National security measures are often framed from a masculinist, hegemonic viewpoint, determining that the wellbeing of a state and its citizens is dependent on protection by a patriarchal government. This paper argues that the health and strength of a country and its citizens are better promoted through a focus on human security, defined by the United Nations as the right of all people to live in freedom and dignity, free from poverty and despair. Moreover, a gendered approach to human security is necessary to advance economic development, personal security and freedom from violence. Nonetheless, women all over the world are valued less than men, especially in political and economic spheres. This project explores the cultural, economic and political roles of women in India and South Korea, observing how and why these roles have changed, with an emphasis on both progress and continued obstacles to gender equity. As countries with contrasting levels of economic development and different political histories, India and South Korea offer excellent insight into the ways in which a traditionally masculinist approach to national security and economic development affects women’s rights and women’s representation.

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