Legal Feminism and Foucault – A Critique of the Expulsion of Law

Datos Bibliográficos

ID11449448
AutoresVanessa E Munro (0000-0002-2552-9651, University of Reading, autor de correspondencia)
Año2001
Volumen28
Número4
Páginas546-567
Fecha de publicación2001-12-01
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaJournal of Law and Society (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0263-323X • E-ISSN: 1467-6478
EditorialWiley (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1111/1467-6478.00202
OpenAlexW1977455496
IdiomaEN
Citas recibidas13

Contemporary theorists have become increasingly receptive to the selective incorporation of Foucaultian theory within feminist frameworks. However, the reception of Foucault within feminist legal critique has been less enthusiastic. The most celebrated theorist to argue for the incorporation of Foucaultian insight within the feminist analysis of law is Carol Smart. While conceding the significant contribution of her work, this article will argue that her interpretation of the Foucaultian thesis on law is considerably more problematic. Illustrating the extent to which she adopts an unnecessarily pessimistic prognosis for the development of Foucault within legal analysis and reform, this article will examine an emerging counter‐interpretation of Foucault that presents the possibility for a more promising application, seeking to provide a defence both of the utility of Foucault for feminist jurisprudence, and of the utility of legal reform strategies being exercised for feminist purposes

Critical theory · Epistemology · Feminism · Feminist Legal Theory · Interpretation (philosophy · Jurisprudence · Michel foucault · Pessimism · Political science · Politics · Sociology · African Sexualities and LGBTQ+ Issues · Feminism, Gender, and Sexuality Studies · Gender Studies · Law · Law in Society and Culture · Philosophy