The purpose of this literature review is to look at gender as a category of analysis in conflict and peace mediation. The analysis will provide the material basis for a research paper on “Gender and Conflict: Genocide in Rwanda” in the course “Gender, Politics and Intersectionality in Europe”. I put forward the thesis statement that genocide in Rwanda should be analysed in gender-specific terms and on different levels (individual, community) andat different phases (open-conflict, post-conflict).
I have focused on papers by Cordula Reimann, who has a particular interest in largely hidden gender-specific sub-context of violent conflicts and their resolution. The literature review is divided into three parts. I begin with defining ‘gender’. The second part is the analysis of women’s and men’s different roles at various levels and phases of conflict. The third part deals with the question of what kind of checklist and indicators we need to take into account while analysing conflict in gender specific dimensions.
Table of Contents
I Defining gender and intersectionality
II Gender-specific roles in conflict
III Comparative perspective
IV Key principles in analysis of conflict
Objectives and Topics
The primary objective of this literature review is to examine gender as a critical analytical category within the contexts of conflict and peace mediation, serving as a foundational basis for a research paper on the genocide in Rwanda. The author explores how gender-specific dimensions and intersectionality are essential for understanding the roles of women and men across various levels and phases of violent conflict.
- Theoretical definitions of gender and the concept of intersectionality
- Analysis of gender-specific roles in open versus post-conflict situations
- Examination of the individual, community, and state levels of conflict dynamics
- Application of gender perspectives to conflict analysis and peace mediation
Excerpt from the Book
II Gender-specific roles in conflict
I find it important to look at roles of men and women in conflict situations because this will be useful for research on Rwanda where different roles of men and women in genocide will be compared. Most often the analyses of conflicts had been done in a “gender-blind” manner. I used Reimann’s paper “Roles of Women and Men in Violent Conflicts” (2004). Reimann describes three different levels of defining roles of men and women – individual, community and state, as well as two main phases of conflict - open and post-conflict phase.
In an open conflict situation on the individual level women are caretakers, heads of households and invisible peace takers, but men dominate the army and politics. However, there are also women who participate in war. Second, many women are victims of sexual violence, forced prostitution, but also men could be victims, for example, male rape in the former Yugoslavia. On the community level the structure of family changes. Many women break with the “old” (gender-specific) social order and take men’s traditional responsibilities. Therefore men who are not involved in the war are under psychological and social pressure. On the state level, politicians and national media or propaganda use traditional gender stereotypes.
Summary of Chapters
I Defining gender and intersectionality: This section explores the social construction of gender and the interconnections between identity, symbolism, and structure, while highlighting the importance of intersectionality in avoiding gender-blind research.
II Gender-specific roles in conflict: This chapter analyzes how the roles of men and women vary across the individual, community, and state levels during both open and post-conflict phases, emphasizing the shift in traditional responsibilities.
III Comparative perspective: This section utilizes a comparative table to contrast gender-specific roles across various conflict dimensions, such as peace keeping, psychological trauma, and demobilization of combatants.
IV Key principles in analysis of conflict: This final chapter outlines the essential principles of a gender-sensitive approach to conflict analysis, focusing on the needs of different groups and the necessity of inclusive negotiation processes.
Keywords
Gender, Conflict, Rwanda, Intersectionality, Peace Mediation, Gender-specific, Violence, Post-conflict, Individual level, Community level, State level, Gender identity, Social construction, Victimization, Peacebuilding
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research paper?
The paper examines gender as a core category of analysis to understand conflict dynamics and peace mediation, with a specific application to the genocide in Rwanda.
What are the primary thematic areas covered?
The themes include the theoretical definition of gender, the role of intersectionality, the impact of conflict on different gender roles, and the practical application of gender-sensitive analysis in peace mediation.
What is the central research objective?
The objective is to provide a theoretical and analytical foundation for analyzing the genocide in Rwanda through a gender-specific lens, accounting for different conflict phases and societal levels.
Which scientific methodology is employed?
The author performs a systematic literature review, analyzing key academic papers and frameworks—primarily those by Cordula Reimann—to derive indicators for gender-sensitive conflict analysis.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers definitions of gender, an analysis of gender roles at individual, community, and state levels, comparative perspectives on open versus post-conflict scenarios, and key principles for conflict analysis.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
Key terms include Gender, Conflict, Rwanda, Intersectionality, Peace Mediation, and Gender-specific roles.
How does the author define the "Gender Triangle"?
The Gender Triangle is used as a model to illustrate the interdependence between individual gender identity, the symbolism of gender, and the structure of gender in society.
Why is the "private sphere" significant in the author's analysis?
The author argues that making the private sphere visible (adhering to the principle "the private is political") is essential for revealing the true impact of violent conflict on society from a gender-specific perspective.
What is the significance of the "critical mass" in negotiations?
The author references the perspective that a "critical mass" of at least 30% women's participation is required for women to effectively impact and influence peace negotiation processes.
- Quote paper
- Karina Oborune (Author), 2010, Gender as Category of Analysis in Conflict and Peace Mediation, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/152283
