Policy Press

Disrupting Rape Culture

Public Space, Sexuality and Revolt

By Alexandra Fanghanel

Published

Aug 12, 2020

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529202588

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jan 16, 2019

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529202526

Dimensions

234 x 156 mm

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jan 16, 2019

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529202540

Imprint

Bristol University Press

Published

Jan 16, 2019

Page count

176 pages

ISBN

978-1529202564

Imprint

Bristol University Press
Disrupting Rape Culture

Pussy grabbing; hot mommas; topless protest; nasty women. Whether hypersexualised, desexualised, venerated or maligned, women’s bodies in public space continue to be framed as a problem. A problem that is discursively ‘solved’ by the continued proliferation of rape culture in everyday life.

Indeed, despite the rise in research and public awareness about rape culture and sexism in contemporary debates, gendered violence continues to be normalised.

Using case studies from the US and UK – the de/sexualised pregnancy, the troublesome naked protest, the errant BDSM player – Fanghanel interrogates how the female body is figured through, and revolts against, gendered violence.

Rape culture currently thrives. This book demonstrates how it happens, the politics that are mobilised to sustain it, and how we might act to contest it.

"Fanghanel has produced an insightful, compelling and engaging book. The writing style is hugely enjoyable, allowing for comprehensive engagement with challenging and, potentially, distressing topics. Emma Milne", Qualitative Research

"This is a compelling book, which casts a critical eye on rape culture from new and important perspectives. The politics of women's bodies in public spaces is such a vital part of the debate around rape culture, and Fanghanel addresses the topic with originality and insight." Caroline Blyth, University of Auckland

"Timely and provocative, this book wades into debates in a way that others fear to tread, and highlights the continuing need to interrogate the sexualisation of bodies and spaces. Essential reading for all those interested in the oppressive ways that gendered performances are understood and policed in public space." Phil Hubbard, King's College London

Alexandra Fanghanel is Senior Lecturer in Criminology in the School of Law at the University of Greenwich. She has worked in the fields of space, sexuality and crime since 2007. The data appearing in this book were accumulated through six years of research.

Causing Trouble;

Disruptive Pregnancy;

Disruptive Protests;

Disruptive Play;

Disruptive Bodies.