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Shock to Thought: Encounters (of a Third Kind) with Legal Feminism

Bottomley, Anne (2004) Shock to Thought: Encounters (of a Third Kind) with Legal Feminism. Feminist Legal Studies, 12 (1). pp. 29-65. ISSN 0966-3622. (doi:10.1023/B:FEST.0000026078.52409.a6) (KAR id:111)

Abstract

This paper takes a recently published text and, in examining it closely, argues that it exemplifies trends within feminist scholarship in law, which might be characterised as establishing a form of orthodoxy. The paper explores some of the ways in which this orthodoxy is constructed and presented, and argues that it is characterised by a commitment both to `grand theory' and Hegelian dialectics. The adoption of this model of work seems to offer a chance to hold together the triangular figure of women/theory/law reform. The paper will argue that, whilst this model is clearly a valid choice, and attractive to feminist scholars in the promise it seems to hold, the model is not to be presumed but rather should be examined and considered in terms of its potential for feminist scholarship. Both within its own terms, and as part of the construction of an orthodoxy, the paper will argue that it is in fact problematic and that feminist scholarship would be better served by seeking an alternative theoretical model. An alternative is suggested, using the work of Deleuze, but it is acknowledged that this will require the acceptance of a very different theoretical configuration from that suggested by the triangular model of women/theory/law reform.

Item Type: Article
DOI/Identification number: 10.1023/B:FEST.0000026078.52409.a6
Uncontrolled keywords: Badiou; Deleuze; dialectics; difference; legal feminism; orthodoxy; politics
Subjects: K Law > K Law (General)
Divisions: Divisions > Division for the Study of Law, Society and Social Justice > Kent Law School
Depositing User: Katrin Steinack
Date Deposited: 19 Dec 2007 17:58 UTC
Last Modified: 16 Nov 2021 09:39 UTC
Resource URI: https://kar.kent.ac.uk/id/eprint/111 (The current URI for this page, for reference purposes)

University of Kent Author Information

Bottomley, Anne.

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