'She asked for it' : a textual analysis of the re-negotiation of the meaning of rape in the 1970s-1980s
O'Neill, Jacqueline
'She asked for it' : a textual analysis of the re-negotiation of the meaning of rape in the 1970s-1980s A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History at Massey University, 2006. O'Neill, Jacqueline - Palmerston North, N.Z. Massey University 2006 - 101 p.
This thesis examines the historical shift in the dominant meaning or discursive construction of rape in New Zealand society from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, and in particular, the role feminists played in it. The thesis explores discursive themes in a chronological framework. The 'rules formation' or the contexts that impacted on, and were impacted upon, by discourse on sex, gender and rape are examined, first in the mid-1970s when the legal discourse was informed by medical and psychoanalytical knowledge, and then in the mid-1980s when new possibilities expanded the discourse. The dominant meaning of rape is identified through an analysis of statute law and social and legal practices, and its impact upon the experiences of women, rape victims and perpetrators is examined. A shift in the meaning of sexual violence from the feminists perspective is examined and 'speaking out' or the un-silencing of women as a form of resistance is discussed. The other voices contesting the dominant construction of rape, and how the government responded to these, are discussed in relation to the political construction of rape, and its impact upon rape victims and the experience of women is examined. The Rape Law Reform Bills No.1 (1983) and No. 2 (1984), and public submissions responding to them, are discussed including topics such as spousal immunity and the 'degenderisation' of rape. The reforms as they were enacted in 1985 are analysed in relation to the limits of their impact on the lives of rape victims and all women. The author concludes that, despite its many shortcomings, the 1985 legislative reform provided a number of legal advances for women and victims of rape. The author argues however that feminist action in relation to the sexual violence discourse was the major contributory factor in broadening the public discourse on rape.
nz
CHILD WELFARE
CHILDREN AT RISK
GENDER
JUSTICE
RAPE
STATUTES
VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
VICTIMS
WOMEN
LAW
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
NEW ZEALAND
'She asked for it' : a textual analysis of the re-negotiation of the meaning of rape in the 1970s-1980s A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in History at Massey University, 2006. O'Neill, Jacqueline - Palmerston North, N.Z. Massey University 2006 - 101 p.
This thesis examines the historical shift in the dominant meaning or discursive construction of rape in New Zealand society from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s, and in particular, the role feminists played in it. The thesis explores discursive themes in a chronological framework. The 'rules formation' or the contexts that impacted on, and were impacted upon, by discourse on sex, gender and rape are examined, first in the mid-1970s when the legal discourse was informed by medical and psychoanalytical knowledge, and then in the mid-1980s when new possibilities expanded the discourse. The dominant meaning of rape is identified through an analysis of statute law and social and legal practices, and its impact upon the experiences of women, rape victims and perpetrators is examined. A shift in the meaning of sexual violence from the feminists perspective is examined and 'speaking out' or the un-silencing of women as a form of resistance is discussed. The other voices contesting the dominant construction of rape, and how the government responded to these, are discussed in relation to the political construction of rape, and its impact upon rape victims and the experience of women is examined. The Rape Law Reform Bills No.1 (1983) and No. 2 (1984), and public submissions responding to them, are discussed including topics such as spousal immunity and the 'degenderisation' of rape. The reforms as they were enacted in 1985 are analysed in relation to the limits of their impact on the lives of rape victims and all women. The author concludes that, despite its many shortcomings, the 1985 legislative reform provided a number of legal advances for women and victims of rape. The author argues however that feminist action in relation to the sexual violence discourse was the major contributory factor in broadening the public discourse on rape.
nz
CHILD WELFARE
CHILDREN AT RISK
GENDER
JUSTICE
RAPE
STATUTES
VICTIMS OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
VICTIMS
WOMEN
LAW
SEXUAL VIOLENCE
NEW ZEALAND