Two leading researchers receive honorary doctorates in social science

Just over 20 years ago, political scientist Cynthia Enloe opened up new doors in the field of International Relations. She called attention to phenomena that had not previously figured in US foreign policy; prostitution on military bases, sex tourism, the conditions for diplomats’ wives and women in domestic service. In May she will be presented with an honorary doctorate at Lund University. Economic geographer Meric Gertler, known for his research on regional development, will also receive an honorary doctorate on the same occasion. Cynthia Enloe, a professor at Clark University in the USA, has played a decisive role in the success of gender studies in international relations research. She shows how masculine norms influence both the global economy and relations between countries. Through studies of development, migration, international organisations, the tourist industry and the military, she shows how sexist norms and violence characterise many phenomena within these areas.