The Space Between Us : Negotiating Gender and National Identities in Conflict

Rating:
Summary: Sociological Assessment of Women in Conflict
Review: I found this book to be very important in presenting women who have experienced conflict in contested territories -- Bosnia, Northern Ireland, and the Near East. Cynthia Cockburn conducted an oral history of how women dealt with their problems, and stated how they engaged in constructive activities and organized support groups to cope with social and political dilemmas. Women in these particular regions seldom have their voices heard, and Cockburn proves that assessment wrong. She presents them as activitists and participants trying to make their world a little better humanistically and politically.

For most historians, this book lacks the concrete evidence and analytical criticism, which contributes to its flaws. There also appeared to be a slant towards a feminist perspective. However, the issues that had been discussed bear much significance. So, for anyone who wants to read about women's contribution and participation in war torn regions of the world, this will be an interesting read.

Rating:
Summary: An insightful and inspiration account...
Review: This sensitively researched account of how everyday women in conflict affected societies work to effect positive peace, remains one of my favourite books on this topic. It presents three case studies drawing from women's experiences in Northern Ireland, Israel/Palestine and Bosinia/Hercegovina. These case studies are important because they form part of a small (but growing) body of literature that portrays women's particular views on both war and peace. Also it presents cross-cultural perspectives- Cockburn does not fall into the trap of conflating these women's experiences and views into one "feminine" experience/voice. Instead, under the theme of "women and peace", the author explores the diversity and commonality which forms these women's approaches to peace in societies that often do not include women in formal peace processes. For anyone interested in the efforts of civil society to effect peace and social justice, or anyone with an interest in women's roles in war and peace, this is an excellent book.