Polygamy, Policy and Postcolonialism in English Marriage Law. A Critical Feminist Analysis
Dr Zainab Batul Naqvi, Reader Critical Feminist Legal Studies, Manchester Metropolitan University
The Feminist Jurisprudence Discussion Group is hosting Dr Zainab Naqvi to discuss her work on polygamous marriage and English family law. Dr Naqvi examines judicial legal responses to polygamy through post-colonial feminism, showing how attitudes to polygamy are shaped by indifference and hostility towards its participants. The post-colonial feminist lens exposes the racist, orientalist, imperialist and sexist attitudes permeating judicial language in relation to polygamy and its participants. These patterns of discourse subordinate women in polygamous marriages, leaving them in a vulnerable position. With time, these discourses seemingly fade but, through a closer reading of recent cases, it becomes evident that they are still present, albeit in a subtler form as a matter of public policy, morality and ‘good’.
In this event, we will particularly discuss Dr Naqvi article “A contextualised historical account of changing judicial attitudes to polygamous marriage in the English courts”, as well as the findings on her latest book “Polygamy, Policy and Postcolonialism in English Marriage Law.”
Coffee and tea will be provided.
If you are unable to join us in person, please join us online using the following link.