9. #MeToo and the Threat of Carceral Feminism

Rundown

In this episode we break down the term “carceral feminism,” which refers to movements that seek to redress violence against women through increased prosecution and harsher punishment for abusers. We discuss the history of this approach, including monumental crime bills that have shaped how we (still) respond to gender-based violence. We then take a look at some of the dangerous consequences of such an approach for the very victims ‘carceral feminism’ seeks to help, providing some illuminating stories of victims who found themselves on the receiving end of unjust carceral punishment. We discuss how this approach lends itself to the neoliberal agenda of rolling back the welfare state, and how this rollback leaves women even more vulnerable to abuse, violence and harassment. We then take a look at the #MeToo movement and analyze the kind of activism it has been spurring. We end on a more positive note, talking about important alternative ways to treat the root cause of the problem and not just the symptom.

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