Women and Hegemonic Masculinity in Diplomacy: Changing Norms and Practices

Abstract

Traditionally male-dominated, diplomacy has entered into a period of transformation with large numbers of women entering the profession. This article introduces the main contributions of the limited number of studies which analyses diplomacy from a gender perspective, and surveys the prevailing masculine norms in diplomacy through examples from different countries. Subsequently, the article discusses how a similar transformation is underway in Turkish diplomacy. Drawing on published memoirs and interviews of female diplomats, it is found that while masculine norms remain prevalent in Turkish diplomacy, they are also weakening gradually with higher numbers of Turkish female diplomats being promoted to prestigious posts.

Keywords

Diplomacy, Women, Gender, Feminist Approaches to International Relations, Turkish foreign policy, Turkish Ministry for Foreign Affairs

Citation

Süleymanoğlu-Kürüm, Rahime and Rumelili, Bahar, “Women and Hegemonic Masculinity in Diplomacy: Changing Norms and Practices”, International Relations, Volume 15, Issue 57, 2018, pp. 3-18, DOI: 10.33458/uidergisi.518039

Affiliations

• Rahime SÜLEYMANOĞLU-KÜRÜM, Dr., Department of Sociology, Istanbul Commerce University
• Bahar RUMELİLİ, Assoc. Prof. Dr., Department of International Relations, Koç University