Digital Humanities, Social Science and Cultural Preservation
An Analysis of the Contribution of Feminist Point of View to Security Studies
Abstract
M. S. Navodya
This paper studies the contributions of feminist analyses to the field of Security Studies, a traditionally masculinized domain that has long revolved around state security and military threats. Drawing from the work of feminist scholars like J. Ann Tickner, Carol Cohn, and Cynthia Enloe, it demonstrates how feminist perspectives challenge conventional assumptions within Security Studies. The findings highlight the gendered nature of security, exposing the discipline’s blind spots and urging a shift towards a more inclusive, gender-conscious approach where the scope of security would be broadened while identifying diverse threats—such as economic, environmental, and personal insecurity. The study emphasizes the need for gender to be a central level of analysis, arguing that security involves not only states but also individuals and communities. It concludes that feminist perspectives enrich Security Studies by challenging its gender biases, expanding its scope, and advocating for a more comprehensive understanding of security that encompasses both state and human security.