Gendering Legitimacy Through the Reproduction of Memories and Violent Discourses in Cambodia

Citation:

Lilja, Mona. 2008. “Gendering Legitimacy Through the Reproduction of Memories and Violent Discourses in Cambodia.” Asian Perspective 32 (1): 71-97.

Author: Mona Lilja

Abstract:

This article argues that the legitimacy of both male and female politicians in Cambodia is partly built on discourses of violence and reconstructed memories of the past. From this standpoint, this article looks at how women's and men's relation to violence- and memories of violence- creates and undermines their legitimacy as political leaders. Additionally, it relates how women use memories of violence in their strategies to increase their political authority. Based on interviews with fifty-two female and male politicians and nongovernmental workers in Cambodia, this article addresses how discourses on politics rely on notions of "then" and "now" of violence and the images of identity emerging from these.

Keywords: Cambodia, East Asian politics, democracy- East Asia, gender studies

Topics: Democracy / Democratization, Gender, Women, Men, Governance, Political Participation, Violence Regions: Asia, Southeast Asia Countries: Cambodia

Year: 2008