Advanced Introduction to Feminist Perspectives on Law

Elgar Advanced Introductions are stimulating and thoughtful introductions to major fields in the social sciences, business and law, expertly written by the world’s leading scholars. Designed to be accessible yet rigorous, they offer concise and lucid surveys of the substantive policy issues associated with discrete subject areas. This Advanced Introduction overviews the ongoing struggle for gender equality since the nineteenth century. It considers how women have looked to law as a means of facilitating entry into the public sphere, including in higher education, work and professional life. The book examines the feminist assertation that ‘the personal is political’ and addresses issues in the private sphere that have long been on the reform agenda, including marriage, divorce, sexual assault and violence against women. It also considers the current fragmentation of feminism, or ‘postfeminism’; while critics argue the aims of feminism have been achieved, data on sexual harassment and violence against women by intimate partners reveals the continuing elusiveness of gender equality. Key Features: An essential exploration of both modern and historical feminism Focuses on the four key themes of active citizenship, paid work, intimate relations and violence and criminality to clarify how law reform is addressed Considers the increasing diversity in trends in intimate relationships, such as same sex marriage, the decline in traditional marriage and the consequences of separation. The Advanced Introduction to Feminist Perspectives on Law is highly beneficial to students and scholars of gender law, legal theory, legal philosophy and feminist history.