Configuring the man of domestic violence : Domestic violence, masculinities and the crimino-legal tradition

Blyth, Simon James (1999) Configuring the man of domestic violence : Domestic violence, masculinities and the crimino-legal tradition. University of Southampton, Doctoral Thesis.

Abstract

Before examining the different methodological and epistemological approaches developed within feminism, the tension arising out of its dual mandate, to provide both a radical scholarship and radical politics, is considered. Mindful of this continuing debate, it is argued that out of three different feminisms considered - feminist empiricism, standpoint feminism and postmodern feminism - feminist standpoint approaches remain pre-eminent with feminist research on domestic violence. Within this literature patriarchy continues to be positioned as a pivotal political and analytic concept, and male sexuality is regularly identified as its central site. A more general shift in analytical focus is identified, however, from patriarchy to gender and power, and the consequences for this are considered in conceptualising the relation between power and violence.

In directing attention towards gender and power, a central problem is identified within the current feminist conceptualisation of domestic violence, in that it frequently serves to confirm rather than disturb the configuration of gender identity along the lines of masculinity as active and powerful; femininity as passive and powerless. In trawling through various theoretical configurations of masculinity and identity, from feminist writing on domestic violence, through psychoanalysis, the 'new masculinity literature' and the writing of postmodern feminists, an argument is advanced for attention to sexed bodies and for seeing gender/sex as performance. Whilst such a formulation of gender/sex is posited as finally breaking from biologism, an argument is made for considering how we participate in the performances required of us.

Continuing the focus on gendered/sexed identities, an argument is made for rejuvenation of the debate concerning the relation between men and feminism. For while consideration of this 'impossible relation' appears to have abated, feminist insight and understandings of domestic violence appear to be increasingly incorporated into policy and practice initiatives. Illustrated through a discussion of male probation officers, it is argued that this debate is essential if men are to practice as reflexive practitioners whilst attuned to the aims and principles of feminist politics.

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