14.2 Transnational feminist movements and theories

Transnational feminism connects women's struggles globally, recognizing how factors like globalization and colonialism impact lives worldwide. It challenges the idea of a universal women's experience, emphasizing diversity based on race, class, and nationality.

This approach differs from other feminist theories by addressing systemic global inequalities and intersecting oppressions. It builds cross-border solidarity through dialogue, coalitions, and digital technologies, while navigating challenges like power imbalances and cultural differences.

Transnational Feminism

Principles of transnational feminism

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• Transnational feminism transcends national borders emphasizes interconnectedness of women's struggles globally
  • Recognizes impact of globalization, colonialism, imperialism on women's lives (e.g. sweatshop labor, sex trafficking)
  • Challenges notion of universal women's experience acknowledges diversity based on race, class, nationality (e.g. different priorities for Western vs. Global South feminists)
• Key principles include:
  • Solidarity across borders and cultures (e.g. global campaigns against gender-based violence)
  • Intersectionality and recognition of multiple, intersecting forms of oppression (e.g. race, class, gender, sexuality)
  • Critique of Western-centric feminism and need for decolonial approach (e.g. challenging savior narratives)
  • Emphasis on agency and resistance of women in Global South (e.g. grassroots organizing, indigenous feminisms)

Transnational vs other feminist theories

• Transnational feminism vs liberal feminism
  • Liberal feminism focuses on individual rights and equality within existing structures (e.g. equal pay, reproductive rights)
  • Transnational feminism critiques limitations of liberal feminism in addressing systemic global inequalities (e.g. neoliberal economic policies)
• Transnational feminism vs radical feminism
  • Radical feminism sees patriarchy as root cause of women's oppression advocates for complete overhaul of social structures
  • Transnational feminism recognizes patriarchy as one of many intersecting oppressions emphasizes nuanced, context-specific approach (e.g. impacts of militarism, fundamentalism)
• Transnational feminism vs postcolonial feminism
  • Postcolonial feminism focuses on experiences of women in formerly colonized countries ongoing impact of colonialism (e.g. orientalism, cultural imperialism)
  • Transnational feminism builds on postcolonial insights also addresses experiences of women in Global North role of neocolonialism and globalization (e.g. international division of labor)

Cross-border solidarity strategies

• Strategies for building transnational feminist solidarity:
  • Fostering dialogue and exchange between women's movements in different countries (e.g. international conferences, delegations)
  • Building coalitions and networks to coordinate activism and advocacy (e.g. Women's Global Strike, World March of Women)
  • Utilizing digital technologies and social media to connect activists and share information (e.g. hashtag campaigns, online petitions)
  • Centering voices and experiences of marginalized women, particularly from Global South (e.g. inclusive leadership, participatory research)
• Challenges to building transnational feminist solidarity:
  • Power imbalances and unequal access to resources between Global North and South movements (e.g. funding disparities, visa restrictions)
  • Language barriers and cultural differences that can hinder communication and understanding
  • Risk of homogenizing or essentializing women's experiences and struggles (e.g. "third world woman" stereotype)
  • Potential for co-optation or appropriation of grassroots movements by NGOs or international organizations (e.g. UN gender equality initiatives)

Intersectionality in transnational feminism

• Intersectionality is key concept in transnational feminism recognizing women's experiences shaped by multiple, intersecting oppressions
  • Kimberle Crenshaw coined term to describe unique experiences of Black women in US (e.g. overlapping racism and sexism)
  • Transnational feminists expanded concept to address experiences of women in different global contexts (e.g. impacts of xenophobia, ableism)
• Role of intersectionality in transnational feminist activism:
  • Ensures voices and experiences of marginalized women are centered in movements and advocacy (e.g. inclusion of refugee women, LGBTQ+ perspectives)
  • Helps build solidarity by recognizing common struggles across contexts while acknowledging specific needs (e.g. addressing both gender and caste oppression)
• Role of intersectionality in transnational feminist scholarship:
  • Challenges notion of universal women's experience highlights diversity of women's lives and struggles (e.g. Muslim women's feminisms)
  • Provides framework for analyzing complex interactions of different oppressions in global contexts (e.g. gendered impacts of climate change)