Test on Feminist Theories in International Relations

Question 1: The United Nations Security Council Resolution 2467 (2019) included explicit references to women's rights to sexual and reproductive health.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Resolution SC 2467 (2019) was only adopted after explicit references to women's rights to sexual and reproductive health were omitted.

Question 2: Which of the following was a primary reason for the emergence of feminist International Relations (IR) theories in the late 1980s?

A. A desire to exclusively promote positivist and rationalist approaches in IR.

B. A dissatisfaction with dominant IR theories for neglecting women and gender, and reflecting only certain men's experiences.

C. An interest in advocating for and defending the conventional theories of realism and liberalism.

D. The need to expand the scope of IR without altering its fundamental presuppositions.

Explanation: Feminist International Relations theories emerged from dissatisfaction with conventional IR theories like realism and liberalism, which were seen as restricting knowledge and excluding post-positivist approaches. These theories were criticized for not paying attention to women or gender and for reflecting only certain men's experiences, roles, and status, thereby marginalizing women's concerns in the international arena.

Question 3: The definitions of feminism have remained static over time, never changing to reflect new social contexts or understandings of women's status.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: Definitions of feminism have changed over time, reflecting changes in both social contexts and understandings of the situation and status of women. Issues of race, imperialism, and sexuality emerged, challenging earlier definitions and prompting movements to incorporate diverse experiences, such as those of lesbian/bisexual women and women of color.

Question 4: According to the study materials, which groups challenged early feminist movements to be more inclusive and address intersectional issues?

A. Women of color, who confronted white women about racism

B. Lesbian/bisexual women, who questioned the concept of universal 'sisterhood'

C. Transwomen, who highlighted exclusionary elements of feminist thought

D. Men of color, who emphasized the de-valorization linked to femininity

Explanation: The study materials state that 'women of colour (in both the Global North and South) challenged white women (in both the Global North and South) to confront their racism and their privileging of white experiences'. It also mentions that 'lesbian/bisexual women confronted the homophobia of the feminist movement and questioned its claim to universal 'sisterhood''. Furthermore, 'Transwomen have been forced to do the same, confronting the exclusionary elements of feminist thought and holding feminism accountable to its claim of an inclusive, intersectional politics'. The text mentions the de-valorization of 'racially, culturally, or economically marginalized men' but does not specify that 'men of color' directly challenged 'early feminist movements' in the same context as the other groups listed.

Question 5: Feminism and feminist movements have historically struggled with issues of inclusion and exclusion related to race, sexuality, class, and geographic location.

A. Ano

B. Ne

Explanation: The study materials explicitly state that 'Feminism and feminist movements struggle with issues of inclusion and exclusion, specifically regarding race, sexuality class, and geographic location.' This is further evidenced by discussions about the disconnect felt by women from the Global South regarding Global North feminism agendas, and the Combahee River Collective Statement addressing multiple oppressions faced by Black women.