INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS CIA-1

Concepts in IR through Cartoons (Case Study Analysis on Unit I

through political cartoons)

School of Business and Management, Christ University BGR

Done by: Divyam Agarwal

Registration number: 2323626

Class: 2 BBAFIB B

Submitted to: RAJEESH C S Sir

Submitted on: 14th January 2024

Concept 1: “Gender Equality”
A persistent tangle in the fundamental fabric of international relations, gender inequity tangles
diplomatic lines, stifles economic expansion, and erodes the safety net. In order to tackle this
complex issue, we must all untangle it together. Only then can we create a future in which nations
work together without being constrained by prejudice.

Cartoon (i) :
The depicted image portrays a powerful commentary on
traditional gender roles and the societal expectations
placed on married women. The woman standing in
front of the mirror sees her reflection, which symbolises
the conventional roles associated with marriage – in
this case, the life of washing and cleaning. The image
suggests a reflection of entrenched stereotypes that
confine women to domestic responsibilities and limit
their roles primarily to homemaking. The mirror
becomes a metaphor for societal expectations,
reinforcing the notion that a woman’s worth or identity
is often reduced to her domestic duties post-marriage.
This visual representation invites us to consider the
broader implications on gender equality. It prompts reflection on the need to challenge and
dismantle such stereotypical expectations, allowing women the autonomy to pursue diverse roles
and aspirations beyond traditional domestic responsibilities. The image serves as a critique of the
persisting gender norms that limit women’s choices and perpetuate inequality within the context of
marriage.

Cartoon (ii) :
The cartoon provides a thought-provoking commentary on gender equality in the workplace,
particularly addressing the persistent issue of gender-based wage discrimination and the stereotypes
that women may face during job interviews.

The setting of a woman sitting in front of a

man for a job interview highlights the
unequal power dynamics that can exist in
employment situations. The woman’s
question, “Are you hiring me because I’m
cheap, I’m qualified, or I’m cheap and
qualified?” speaks directly to the pervasive
issue of pay disparities and gender bias in
hiring practices.
The woman’s question implies a concern
about being perceived as a cost-effective
hire solely because of her gender. This
aligns with the broader issue of women
often being paid less than their male
counterparts for the same work.
The cartoon serves as a call for equal
opportunities, emphasising that women
should be hired based on their qualifications and capabilities rather than being undervalued or
unfairly compensated due to gender-based assumptions.

Cartoon (iii) :
The cartoon vividly captures the concept of gender
inequality by employing the metaphor of staircases to
represent the paths of life for men and women. The
stark contrast in the design of the staircases
symbolises the unequal challenges and barriers that
women often face compared to their male
counterparts.
The depiction of a normal, easily navigable staircase
for men suggests a straightforward and relatively
uncomplicated life path. In contrast, the irregular and
challenging design of the women’s staircase implies a
more complex and difficult journey.
The conspicuously large step on the women’s staircase
serves as a powerful symbol. It represents a significant
obstacle or challenge that women encounter in their
lives, indicating that certain aspects of their journey
are disproportionately more difficult than those faced
by men.
The cartoon highlights the systemic challenges and
structural inequalities that persist in society, affecting
women’s access to opportunities and making certain aspects of their lives substantially harder to
navigate.

Concept 2: “Child Labour”

The enduring shadow of gender inequality casts a multifaceted challenge upon international
relations, with ramifications for diplomatic engagement, economic development, and the global
security landscape. Traditional biases ingrained in
social and cultural norms ripple outwards, influencing
inter-state negotiations and the very fabric of
diplomatic ties. This, in turn, can impede peaceful
resolution and collaborative efforts. Furthermore,
persistent gender-based economic disparities act as a
drag on a nation's ability to fully leverage its potential,
ultimately impacting global trade and hindering
international cooperation.

Cartoon (iv) :
The depicted cartoon offers a powerful visual
commentary on the burdens placed on children,
metaphorically portraying them as carrying the weight
of various societal structures and institutions. This
illustration serves as a poignant commentary on issues related to the prevalence of child labor.
The children in the cartoon are burdened with carrying symbolic representations of the banking
system, industries, hotels, money, institutions, and entertainment. This serves as a metaphor for the
way societal structures place burdens on the younger generation.
The image alludes to the issue of child labor, suggesting that children are being exploited by
shouldering responsibilities that are beyond their capacity. It sheds light on the harsh reality where
children, instead of enjoying their childhood, are forced into laborious roles.

Cartoon (v) :
The depicted cartoon is a poignant representation of the constraints faced by a child in the context
of child poverty and child labor. The imagery of a child with wings symbolizes the potential and
dreams inherent in childhood, representing the aspirations and possibilities that should be available
to every child. However, the clip on the wings and the child carrying a tray of sand or construction
equipment conveys the harsh reality that restricts these possibilities.
The wings on the child’s back symbolize the inherent potential, dreams, and aspirations that every
child carries. It represents
the innate capability to soar
and achieve beyond current
circumstances.
The clip on the wings
becomes a powerful
symbol of external factors,
such as socio-economic
constraints, systemic issues,
and lack of opportunities,
that hinder the child’s
ability to fully realize their
potential.
The tray carried by the
child, containing sand or construction equipment, signifies the burden of labor and responsibility
imposed on children. It highlights the prevalence of child labor, often involving physically
demanding tasks that deprive them of a normal childhood.
The imagery of the child unable to fly due to the clip on the wings and engaged in labor-intensive
work reflects the struggles and inequalities that children in poverty face. It underscores the impact
of economic disparities on their ability to access education and enjoy a carefree childhood.