‘A Daughter is Like a Pot of Fish Paste While a Son is Like Pure Gold’: Gendered Conceptions of ‘Human Dignity’ in Cambodia

Abstract

ABSTRACT The concept of human dignity is not universally understood and has many different meanings across diverse contexts. This article interrogates conceptions of human dignity in Cambodia by drawing on original interviews and focus groups and analysing references to ‘dignity’ in Cambodian law and cultural practices. Using the concept of ‘dignitarian feminism,’ it explores how patriarchal interpretations of social, cultural, and religious norms in Cambodia interact with and shape understandings of women’s dignity. It demonstrates that human dignity emerges as diverse, highly gendered, and heavily influenced by Cambodia’s patriarchal interpretation of social, cultural, and religious norms. While ideas of ‘intrinsic’ human dignity and gender equality are framed as valuable aspirations, in practice, understandings of women’s human dignity are shaped by patriarchal norms centred on ‘virtuous’ behaviour, women’s class, socio-economic status, and experience of violence. Such framings restrict women’s ability to exercise agency, their opportunities, and their ability to access justice in the face of violence. Ongoing feminist engagement with the risks of restrictive interpretations of fundamental human rights norms is necessary for women and gender minorities to have their intrinsic human dignity respected regardless of their attributes, life experiences, and backgrounds.