Domestic Violence in Black and White: Racialized Gender Stereotypes in Gender Violence
Posted: 3 Nov 1998
There are 2 versions of this paper
Domestic Violence in Black and White: Racialized Gender Stereotypes in Gender Violence
Abstract
This article explores the relationship of sex and power in the history of race and gender stereotypes. Relying on cognitive psychology in understanding the formation and perpetuation of stereotype, it specifically explores how normative conceptualizations and essentialist concepts require the existence and perpetuation of stereotype,and how the objects of stereotype are implicitly placed in competition with "others" for recognition as normative.
This article then discusses how the subtle uses of stereotype affect the attainment of justice and community perceptions of such justice. Focussing on how stereotype is used to determine who is perceived to legtimately claim the status of victim, this article explores how these perceptions affect the law's response to a given situation and the fact-finders willingness to determine outcomes. On a related point, this article discusses the role of juries, and our perceptions of how juries fulfill that role, in community perceptions of justice.
Finally, this article examines means of minimizing the effects of stereotype within the justice system. It explores the use of existing procedural norms, such as rules of ethics and of evidence, that might more effectively be used to avoid the prejudicial effects of stereotype.
JEL Classification: K4, K49
Suggested Citation: Suggested Citation