ABSTRACT
This chapter explores early feminist academics have argued that International Relations (IR) has largely operated through a narrow understanding of what is considered to be political. It offers itself as a guide that illustrates how ontology and epistemology, the ways in which IR and its major concepts, are accepted and theorized. The chapter aims critically to engage in the discipline of IR to ask questions of where are the women and children in the study of global politics. The chapter recognizes that while feminists share some common goals, they do not comprise of a homogeneous group. Feminist engagements in IR demonstrate more versatility in weathering the changes within and outside of the field of international politics. The chapter illustrates how some theories have developed a closer allegiance to positivist theory whereas others have adopted an emancipatory approach that invites an inclusion and critical enquiry of multiple actors.
