Gender and Human Security in Transitional States and Societies (DHP-D231)

Spring 2025 · DHP D231 · Tufts University · 3 credits · Undergraduate

This course uses gender and intersectional analysis as analytical tools to examine states and societies transitioning from armed conflict or other large-scale social and political upheaval. It explores key gender and intersectional dimensions of such transitions and their implications for states, societies and citizens, including those that have moved toward more democratic forms of governance and those that transitioned, or appear to be transitioning, into more authoritarian regimes. The course will balance a population-focused approach (examining the evolving roles, expectations, norms and positions for people of different genders, ages, ethnicities, races, and class) with an analysis of the health, humanitarian, development, security, justice/legal, and governance sectors. Drawing upon relevant theories and using a thematic approach and case studies, we will conduct gender and intersectional analyses of what key laws and developments lead to more equitable outcomes for citizens, why states that fail women fail, the impact of conflict and crises on public health systems, including mental health care, and what this means for the people in states and societies in transition; family formation and family life; natural disasters and climate change; displacement and return; a range of forms of violence in transition periods; authoritarian regimes; and political engagement in periods of transition, including non-violent civil resistance, governance and political representation. Throughout the course, we will examine how social and political space for gender and intersectional freedom of expression, access to power, representation and influence evolves as part of these transitions.

Course codes: DHP-D231

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