Public Services and International Trade Liberalization
Human Rights and Gender Implications

This books examines whether public service liberalization poses a threat to gender and human rights?

Barnali Choudhury (Author)

9781107471177, Cambridge University Press

Paperback / softback, published 20 November 2014

380 pages, 1 b/w illus. 1 table
22.9 x 15.2 x 2 cm, 0.51 kg

Does public service liberalization pose a threat to gender and human rights? Traditionally considered essential services provided by a state to its citizens, public services are often viewed as public goods which embody social values. Subjecting them to market ideology thus raises concerns that the intrinsic social nature of these services will be negated. Moreover, as those most likely to be reliant on public services, public service liberalization may also further marginalize women. Nevertheless, states continue to increasingly liberalize public services. Barnali Choudhury explores the implications of public service liberalization. Using primarily a legal approach, but drawing from case studies, empirical research and gender theories, she examines whether liberalization under the General Agreement on Trade in Services and other liberalization vehicles such as preferential trade and investment agreements compromise human rights and gender objectives.

Introduction
Part I. Foundations: 1. International economic law and human rights
2. Public services
3. Instruments for liberalizing public services
Part II. Human Rights and Gendered Implications of Liberalization of Public Services: 4. Liberalization of water services
5. Liberalization of educational services
6. Liberalization of health services
7. Accounting for the differential implications of liberalized public services on developing countries and women
Part III. The Future of Liberalization of Public Services: 8. Should public services continue to be liberalized?
9. Conclusion
Index.

Subject Areas: International human rights law [LBBR], International economic & trade law [LBBM], Law [L]