Description: This book argues that feminism should reclaim the universal and reconstruct the theory and practice of human rights.
Review Quotes:
"the book succeeds in its goal of being 'a step that resituates feminism within the discourse of human rights, properly understood. It contributes significantly to highlighting with suspicion 'the growing gap between feminist theory and practice'." --Jill Marshall, Lecturer in Law, Queen Mary, University of London, International Journal of Law in Context
"Siobhán Mullally's book stands out as one of the more convincing and original contributions to this line of scholarship. The book also contributes to the feminist scholarship which critiques international human rights discourse...it targets, and deserves, a wide readership...Apart from being an important contribution to the feminism and human rights scholarship, the book is a stimulating read both for its skilful theoretical analysis and its fresh take on familiar practical dilemmas. More importantly, the monograph is to be welcomed as it addresses international human rights strategy in a way which is both deeply theoretical and contextual." --Anastasia Vakulenko, Feminist Legal Studies "...contains interesting and lively discussions both of feminist and political theory..." --Aileen McColgan, Journal of Law and Society, Vol 33, No 4 "" Universalism" has become a pejorative word in contemporary feminist scholarship. Siobhain Mullally's superb book on human rights law and cultural conflicts, which confirms the continued relevance of universal values to the international women's movement, is a much needed antidote to this trend...The two chapters that discuss the debates on family values and reproductive rights in Ireland reveal Mullally's skilful mastery of " insider methodology" as she applies her dual track approach to her " home" cultural context. Just as impressive is Mullally's ability to apply her theoretical analysis to non-Western cultures." --Maleiha Malik, European Human Rights Law Review