Universalism, Relativism and a Step Beyond. Equality of Men and Women’s Rights as a Cultural Practice

Romanowicz, Anna

doi:0137-4079

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Universalism, Relativism and a Step Beyond. Equality of Men and Women’s Rights as a Cultural Practice

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Title: Universalism, Relativism and a Step Beyond. Equality of Men and Women’s Rights as a Cultural Practice

Abstract:

This article presents a brief analysis of the universalists vs. relativists debate concerning human rights. Emphasis is placed on the cultural practice approach, which in the author’s opinion is the accurate one in approaching power/knowledge relations, and therefore very useful for an anthropologist and eminently applicable in fieldwork. The author’s theses are exemplified by her studies in and of the non-governmental women’s organisations in Delhi, in order to demonstrate how gender equality is constructed and how its meaning is negotiated in the colloquial understanding of the notion of equality

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