Introductory description

This module looks at gender & the law in the global context, encouraging students to engage with diverse feminist theories and in-depth case studies to examine the interactions between global dynamics and local feminist struggles that define the legal debates on global gender justice. We will examine how the law interacts with processes of colonialism and globalisation and its role in constructing, reinforcing and breaking down global gendered inequalities. We will consider various approaches to global gender justice and the ways in which discrimination, equality and empowerment are understood both globally and in different locations.

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Outline of topics:

• Gender & the Law in the Global Context: Coloniality, Development and Socioeconomic Justice
• Conceptualising Power Relations in Feminist Movements: Between Global Dynamics and Local Realities
• Feminist Approaches to International Law and the CEDAW
• The Localisation of Gender Measures: Grassroots Organisations, NGOs and the Provate Sector
• Reproductive Justice and Social Reproduction
• Gender, Sexuality and Human Rights
• Gender, Law and Migrations
• Gender, Law and Digital Justice
• Bringing the Strands Together: Striving for Global Gender Justice

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Be able to discuss the role of the law in constructing, reinforcing and breaking down global gendered inequalities;
• Understand the role of colonialism, globalisation and international legal norms in shaping gender roles and relations at the global level;
• Engage with a variety of feminist theories and case studies from different locations to understand the plurality of feminisms;
• Apply their knowledge to discussions and evaluate the impact of law upon aspects of gender relations;
• Critically evaluate the pressure and limitation of legal regulation of particular aspects of gender relations;
• Arrive at their own positions from which they understand gender and law through analysis and critique;
• Express their own position within the complexities of the relevant arguments in writing, as well as orally.

Research element

Research essay

Interdisciplinary

Engaging with feminist theories beyond feminist legal scholarship.

International

The focus of the module is on the global context and it will include case studies from different locations.

Subject specific skills

• The module combines research and analytical skills with a highly contextual and interdisciplinary understanding of key debates around gender and the law in the global context
• Develop critical and imaginative thinking by using the knowledge gained and its contextual and socio-economic underpinnings, to critically analyse and evaluate the limits of the law in addressing gender-based injustice
• Develop advanced research and essay writing skills.

Transferable skills

• Critical thinking
• Imaginative thinking: in selecting the essay topic and formulating the question
• Advanced research skills and skills in planning a coherently structured research essay and constructing
  nuanced and well-reasons arguments