Women and Globalization: The Failure and Postmodern Possibilities of International Law

Abstract

This Article examines the role of international law, particularly human rights law, as it relates to the process of globalization and its effects on women. Initially, the Article sets the stage by describing the course of globalization and the dramatic impact it has had on the world economy. The Author next examines the multiple and contradictory consequences of globalization for women. The Article approaches this analysis from two perspectives. First, from a 'classic perspective," the Author contends that international law is the only legal system with the potential to regulate the principal agents of globalizationmultinational corporations, banks and investment firms, and international organizations-and to insist that they respect * Professor of Law, University of Tennessee College of Law. B.A., Cornell; J.D., N.Y.U.; LL.M., Columbia. Early versions of this Article were presented at the 1999 Annual Meeting of the American Society of International Law and a Faculty Colloquium at the University of Tennessee. Thanks to all for their helpful comments, especially Tom Galligan and Dwight Aarons, to Fran Ansley for her careful reading of an earlier draft, to the College of Law for its generous support, and to Angela O'Neal for her research assistance. I am also indebted to Pat McNeil for her heroic efforts with the manuscript.