This book examines the relationship between women and terrorist activities in the post-World War II era. Utilizing comparative research into 26 terrorist organizations world-wide, the work identifies a dichotomy whereby women are significantly more active in domestic terrorist organizations than in international groups.

Women and Terrorism argues that domestic terrorist organisations employ revolution, secession, or other means to change internal aspects of the state and the social and economic structure it maintains. This offers the possibility of change in women's societal status; therefore, women are drawn to domestic terrorist organizations in much higher proportions and choose a much greater level of activity, entering the ranks of combat, leadership, and policymaking. By contrast, international terrorist groups oppose outside forces, such as imperialism, capitalism, Western culture, or other more nebulous concepts. Gonzalez-Perez argues that female lack of participation in these activities reflects the fact that women will be relegated to the status quo, regardless of the success or failure of the international terrorist movement.

About the Author

Margaret Gonzalez-Perez is Associate Professor of Political Science at Southeastern Louisiana University.

Reviews

'Margaret Gonzales-Perez has made a significant contribution to the small but growing body of work that examines female militancy [...] Women and Terrorism will be a mainstay in the field for the foreseeable future.' - Jessica Davis, the Canadian International Council's International Journal

'Gonzales-Perez discusses some well-known groups, including the IRA, the Baader-Meinhof gang, and the Palestinian Liberation Organization. She also examines groups in which women are not commonly known to have operated, including some from Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Algeria. The quality of this research makes this book one of the most comprehensive analyses of women in African political violence to date.' - Jessica Davis, the Canadian International Council's International Journal

Book Information
ISBN 9780415570732
Author Margaret Gonzalez-Perez
Format Paperback
Page Count 164
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 320g