The radical potentialities of biographical methods for making differences visible.

Abstract

This paper is part of work in progress which explores the use of biographical methods and the radical potentialities there may be for making difference(s) visible. 'Radical potentialities' refers to the extent to which there are opportunities to effect change. This paper is primarily concerned with exploring prevailing narratives which generate epistemological assumptions creating a conceptual framework within which the law of provocation as it relates to women who kill their partners operates. The stories of Kiranjit Ahluwalia, Sara Thornton and Emma Humphreys, in particular, generate concern on a number of levels. They present poignant and disturbing tales of violence. These women have each killed abusive partners and their cases have received extensive attention. The focus of this paper is to explore, through the stories of these women, the extent to which it is possible to say that their experience is explained and determined by a legal system which has yet to recognise the reality of the circumstances in which such women kill. Explanations are advanced from a range of perspectives which construct the conceptual framework within which the experience of these women unfolds. It may then be possible to identify precisely what is at stake and respond accordingly.