Reconceptualizing Human Security: A Feminist Perspective

Critics of the human security literature claim that current definitions and conceptions of human security are too vague to be useful. There is some truth to the critiques; in an effort to fill the gaps in the security literature, this paper presents a feminist-based definition of human security and tests its relevance through a case study of the political, social and economic securities of women in Jordan. The study revealed that women in Jordan—a country known for its stability in a tumultuous region—still face a number of threats each day. Most notably, political and social insecurities stem from economic insecurity. Within Jordan, these findings suggest that nongovernmental agencies and women’s organizations should channel funding and efforts into economic enhancement programs. Internationally, policymakers should be aware of hidden insecurities within seemingly secure states. Furthermore, human security efforts bolster national security efforts and should be incorporated into the broader spectrum of security studies.