Gender in Revolution: A Constructivist Approach

Unlike realism and liberalism, which purport to explain the actions of states following a relatively concrete set of rules based upon readily apparent observations, constructivism seeks to go deeper and explore the sociological causes behind the more superficial aspects with which liberalism and realism tend to operate. A readily available example of this is realism and liberalism’s fundamental inability to explain women’s growing presence in revolutionary activism throughout the world, an issue that constructivist theory explains quite well.

Historically, the role of women in revolutions has been underplayed. Although there are some notable exceptions, such as Joan of Arc, the majority of revolutionary leaders have been men. Contextually speaking, this makes sense. Young men, for example, were more likely to be independent of their families than young women, and so were more likely to have the ability to risk all in the pursuit of some radical ideal. Furthermore, as in the case of most wars, it was seen as more societally acceptable for men to defer familial responsibilities in the pursuit of bigger, brighter “ideals,” while women were left to take care of the practicalities of such a situation. Someone had to take care of the family while dad was off rousing the proletariat. Thus, women were often trapped by the societal expectation that they put the family and the greater good over their own ideals and politics, thus ensuring that even women who perhaps would have wanted to be part of a radical movement were forced to remain at home. This is of course a broad generalization, as many women did take part in revolutionary movements, such as with the French Resistance during World War II. However, it was not until recently that women have played a more visible role in revolutionary and activist movements.

This shift can be seen quite clearly with the recent uprising Libya. Women played an unprecedented role in the revolution, with many playing pivotal roles in the six month battle against Colonel Muammar el-Qaddafi’s forces. Many formed munitions smuggling chains to provide the rebels with supplies, or collaborated with North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) forces to supply coordinates for air strike targets. Still others took up arms alongside their countrymen and fought as rebel soldiers. Constructively, this radical turnaround in women’s activism can be traced to changes in gender identity and modernization. Libya has historically been a relatively conservative state in terms of women’s independence. Although Col. Qaddafi cast himself as a champion of women’s rights, much of this was superficial. Women had virtually no say in government, and in general were seen as subordinate to their male counter-parts. However, modernization has meant that feminist conceits have permeated the Libyan consciousness, and furthermore, has for the first time provided women with an outlet for independence. The rise of the Internet has made it easier than ever for women to connect with likeminded individuals and create global solidarity. Gains in education meant that Libyan women were primed for action, held back by decades of dictatorship and tradition. The onset of the revolution gave many of these would-be activists an outlet for their frustrations, and more importantly, gave them a legitimate course of action in a society which did not allow women to have a say in the public discourse. In this case, normative constructs were defeated by ideological changes on a grassroots level. This has in turn led to policy shifts – the new Libyan Transitional National Council has made moves to increase women’s visibility in politics, although progress has been incremental at best. Regardless, the change has occurred – finally free of the vestigial societal roadblocks holding them back, Libyan women are unlikely to return to their domestic exile.

Globally, the recent awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to three women activists provides a glimpse into the rising influence of women in activism worldwide. The winners include Liberian President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the first democratically elected female president in all of Africa, activist Leymah Gbowee, also of Liberia and Tawakkol Karman of Yemen. Most notably, all these women come from areas in the world not known for their strong stances on women’s rights. Not only have these women promoted positive change in their respective countires, but they also represent a change within the underlying societal beliefs that have for many years defined gender in non-progressive societies.

When one looks to the seismic shift in social mores that has occurred in these countries, where women have for many years been repressed by traditional gender norms and stereotypes, it becomes increasingly clear why a constructivist viewpoint is so necessary to understand greater global movements. Increases in education, accessibility of information, and the widening acceptance of women in the activist field have all lead to larger changes in how revolutions are played out. Were it not for women’s involvement in the Libyan rebel movement, it is unlikely that the movement would have been seen as legitimate or would have galvanized as much support as it did. The importance of gender within international relations theory cannot be overlooked. The message is clear – sociological changes translate to larger shifts in state actions. Clearly, a constructivist approach is necessary in this regard.

Works Cited

Cowell, Alan, Laura Kasinof, and Adam Nossiter. "Nobel Peace Prize Awarded to Three Activist Women." New York Times 07 Oct 2011. n. pag. Web. 10 Oct. 2011. .

Barnard, Anne. "Libya's War Tested Women Hope to Keep New Power." New York Times 12 Sep 2011. n. pag. Web. 10 Oct. 2011. .