In this assignment you will explore a particular issue/theme in the study of people and culture of Southeast Asia (for example, history, kinship, gender relations, family, religion, or political violence, globalization, development, etc.) and develop a paper that addresses how the issue has been explored in course materials, lectures, and class discussion. Remember that nothing is more important than your voice and thoughts.
Essay must include:
● The title of your paper that include the name of your chosen topic – (1 point)
● A clearly supported and debatable thesis (or argument) that mentions what is your aim in this paper and provides a structure for your essay – (5 points)
● Examples and evidence taken from the weekly readings, which support your argument and highlight your careful reading of these chapters/articles. You must use at least five solid examples from the sources that are related to the topic – (15 points).
● You must use at least three articles/chapters that are related to the topic. (3 points).
● Clear, concise, and correct writing. Carefully structure your essay. Provide page numbers for direct quotations and in-text citations for sources used. Check for spelling and grammar. If I
cannot understand what you are trying to say I cannot give you credit. (2 points).
● Include in-text citations for examples and direct quotations taken from readings. Unless you cite materials from outside of our course, we will not require you to have a bibliography or works cited page (since doing so would simply require you to copy parts of the syllabus).
● Make sure that your essay is between 3-4 pages long (excluding the bibliography).
Here is my outline:
For the final paper, I will explore the evolving role of women in Southeastern Asia politics, more specifically how gender norms and expectations have evolved over time because of cultural, historical, and political forces in countries. I will be focusing on the countries Thailand and Indonesia then analyzing their unique landscapes that have both restricted and empowered women’s rights and participation in politics. The paper will also explore how national movements, colonial legacies, and other factors have shaped the role that women play in each country’s society from the early 20th century to the modern day. In particular I will research the two female political leaders Yingluck Shinawatra in Thailand and Megawati Sukarnoputri in Indonesia and how they were able to challenge gender roles. Lastly, the paper will also address the ongoing barriers that women face in Southeastern Asia politics like political violence, religion, and ethnicity. My paper will aim to offer an understanding of how women in these countries have navigated and reshaped the gender norms in the political world, and hopefully add to the conversation about gender equality in politics especially in countries outside of the US.