Citizenship and feminism: the importance of political process

Abstract

The notion of Citizenship has become a focal point during the 1990s with both politicians and theorists appealing to its virtues as a methodology solving the problems of disenfranchised communities. In many ways feminist theory and practice have already anticipated such debates with theoretical notions of a feminised, caring community, and forms of non-hierarchical, localised, participative political practice. However unlike mainstream deliberation which seems to focus on the citizens themselves, feminists have developed an effective analysis and criticism of the political processes of representative democracy and also the embedded concept of citizenship. This thesis follows such a tradition using both theoretical concerns and practical motivation. The theoretical strand presents an endorsement of liberal feminism, particularly political citizenship, and the practical route uses a case study of local women councillors based in South Tyneside. In examining why women in the area have so little impact upon representation, the thesis hopes to further our understanding of the difficulties in practical terms and to enhance a better theoretical definition of citizenship which is woman friendly.