Wharton, Sue. (2006) Divide and rule: The power of adversarial subjectivities in the discourse of divorce. TEXT & TALK, 26 (6). pp. 791-814. ISSN 1860-7330

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Abstract

In this paper I analyze some of the texts used in the legal procedures of divorce in England and Wales. I examine the texts as instruments of institutional power and as potentially identity constructing for the divorcing spouses who use them. My analysis focuses on the representation in text Of each divorcing spouse and of the relevant legal institutions; it also focuses on the actions taken by the legal institutions through the texts. I argue that the texts construct an adversarial relationship between the divorcing spouses, treat them unequally in terms of social entitlement, and give one spouse power over the other. One of the consequences may be the bolstering of a sense of institutional power in individual lives: another consequence may be an impact on the developing psychology, both individual and relational, of the spouses. I conclude the paper with some reflections on the potential of this type of research for contributing to social change.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	P Language and Literature
Journal or Publication Title:	TEXT & TALK
Publisher:	MOUTON DE GRUYTER
ISSN:	1860-7330
Date:	2006
Volume:	26
Number:	6
Number of Pages:	24
Page Range:	pp. 791-814
Identification Number:	10.1515/TEXT.2006.032
Publication Status:	Published
URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/32722

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