Paradigm Shift in Gender Equality Development Policy in Thailand: Parity versus Differences
Keywords:
Gender Equality, Women’s Empowerment, National Action Plans, Paradigm ShiftAbstract
This paper aims to examine the recent paradigm shift in Thailand’s gender equality development policy, moving from a focus on parity (equal treatment) to recognizing and addressing gender differences. Despite significant progress in women’ s development through policies and programs aimed at promoting gender equality and empowerment, gender inequality and discrimination remain significant issues in Thailand. The study employs Michel Foucault’s discourse analysis (1970, 1972,1991) and Luce Irigaray’s critical thoughts on gender differences in neoliberal capitalism (1985, 1995) to analyze the construction of “women” in Thailand’s recent National Action Plan for Women Development (2023-2027). The findings suggest that the policy’s focus on gender equality and women’s empowerment is a gender-blind practice that fails to consider the different roles and diverse needs of women.
Consequently, the national plan maintains the status quo and does not necessarily transform the unequal structure of gender relations in Thailand. The paper concludes
by emphasizing the need for a more nuanced approach to gender equality policy that recognizes and addresses the complex intersections of gender with other forms of social differentiation.
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