Public Services and International Trade Liberalization Human Rights and Gender Implications

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.

• Examines public service liberalization through a broader lens than simply GATS liberalization, thereby offering a more contextualized perspective on the key tools of public service liberalization

• Grounds the analysis in a theoretical framework which offers a critical evaluation of the issues instead of simply a criticism

• Views the issues in public service liberalization from both a human rights and gender perspective, highlighting how public service liberalization is more than simply a trade issue