Women and Children

The expression women and children is often used to refer to a collective in society that is considered particularly vulnerable and to define a privileged relationship between these two population groups. This entry explores the uses of this expression and reflects on the discriminatory consequences that this association can cause. Specifically, this entry highlights the fact that this connection involves the infantilization of women and the feminization of children (of any gender).

Vulnerabilities and Rights

In the discourses of international politics, women and children are linked for the purpose of reclaiming the human rights of the two historically disadvantaged collectives.

The first usage of the term women and children dates back, probably, to the maritime code of conduct, women and children first, which, since the end of the ...

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