Wharton, Sue. (2009) Women and children first? Potential gender bias in a legal text in the UK. Women and Language, Vol.32 (No.1). pp. 99-102. ISSN 8755-4550

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Abstract

This paper explores a perceived social problem in the UK from a critical discourse analysis perspective. The problem is that of divorced fathers’ lack of access to a family relationship with their children. To explore it, I examine one of the legal forms used to determine child residence after divorce. I first analyse the ways in which this text represents mothers’ and fathers’ relationships with their children. I then go on to analyse the form as part of a legal exchange between individuals and official bureaucracy. I conclude not only that the form fails to facilitate equal legal rights for all parties concerned, but also that it fails to serve children’s best interests due to its perpetration of gender stereotypes.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Subjects:	H Social Sciences > HQ The family. Marriage. Woman K Law > KD England and Wales
Divisions:	Faculty of Social Sciences > Centre for Applied Linguistics
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH):	Law -- Language, Divorce -- Law and legislation -- Great Britain, Critical discourse analysis -- Great Britain, Stereotypes (Social psychology), Parent and child -- Great Britain
Journal or Publication Title:	Women and Language
Publisher:	George Mason University
ISSN:	8755-4550
Date:	2009
Volume:	Vol.32
Number:	No.1
Number of Pages:	4
Page Range:	pp. 99-102
Status:	Peer Reviewed
Publication Status:	Published
Access rights to Published version:	Open Access
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URI:	http://wrap.warwick.ac.uk/id/eprint/3348

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