Norm appropriation through policy production: Rwanda's gender policies. Issue 5 (3rd September 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lorentzen, Jenny
• Is Part Of: Third world thematics. Volume 2:Issue 5(2017)
• Page Start: 658
• Page End: 674
• Publication Date: 2017-09-03
• Subjects: Appropriation -- gender -- norm diffusion -- policy analysis -- Rwanda; Developing countries -- Economic conditions -- Periodicals; Developing countries -- Politics and government -- Periodicals; Globalization -- Periodicals; 338.90091724
• DOI: 10.1080/23802014.2017.1433964
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2379-9978

Abstract

Abstract: This article contributes to current debates on the role and agency of actors on the receiving end in norm diffusion processes, and explores the role of the Government of Rwanda in appropriating gender equality norms through policy production. It considers policy production as a central meaning-making activity in norm diffusion and applies a definition of appropriation as a discursive mechanism through which meaning is negotiated and constituted. Through an analysis of national policy documents on gender equality, it finds that appropriation occurs when the meaning of gender equality is altered to serve as a central feature in the construction of a 'new' Rwandan identity.