Introductory description

This module examines the relationship of law and gender, in terms of the role of law in constructing, reinforcing and breaking down gendered inequalities, as well as the gendered assumptions that inform the processes of law, legal method and law making

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

Introduction to feminist jurisprudence: theories of gender justice, legal and cultural pluralism, gender, diversity and multiculturalism, intersectionality.
Human rights, Equality Claims and Law Reform: exploring the potential and relevance of a human rights framework, and conventional law reform strategies, for addressing gender inequality.
Case studies of different socio-legal contexts in which constructions and experiences of gender inform, or are informed by, the law / regulatory frameworks - for example, women and work; women and the private sphere; women and violence; prostitution and pornography; or feminism and multiculturalism.
Case studies in the international context assessing whether women's rights are best protected through international, regional or local legal frameworks
Perspectives and case studies from the global south, engaging in critiques of dominance of Western feminism

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Identify and understand the particular areas of gender relations directly regulated by law in English and Wales and some common law jurisdictions
• Identify and understand evolving frameworks and current developments in law, both in international law and domestic law
• Understand the legal framework in the context of existing social, political, historical context and evaluate the significance of the cultural context
• Understand the developments in relation to changing economic, political, social and cultural contexts
• Apply their knowledge to discussions and evaluate the impact of law upon aspects of gender relations
• Identify and use legal materials in journal articles
• Critically evaluate the pressure and limitation of legal regulation of particular aspects of gender relations
• Critically evaluate and address the potential of international perspectives in addressing domestic concerns; critically address law of the potential as a means of addressing gender in equalities
• Arrive at their own positions from which they understand gender and law through analysis and critique
• Express their own position within the complexities of the relevant arguments in writing, as well as orally

Indicative reading list

View reading list on Talis Aspire

Subject specific skills

No subject specific skills defined for this module.

Transferable skills

No transferable skills defined for this module.