Foucault's Domestic Violence Theory

Foucault’s Theory applied to Domestic Violence Foucault’s Theory in regards to power and social control are relevant when looking at domestic violence due to the way institutions shape mankind into what serves their needs and goals. Throughout history domestic violence has been a factor in society but until recently it was kept in the closet but now battered women have been labeled by society as battered women’s syndrome. The story of Pamela and David Guenther describe how the women survived the abuse of power within the institution of marriage through an abusive use of power and it is evident in the social control which Guenther had not only on his family but the community was a result of some has to die for this to be over. Foucault’s …show more content…
On the inside of those doors, it was nothing less than Hell for Pamela and her children. The TV movie called “When No One Would Listen” was one of the early crime documentaries/movies which appeared on CBS in 1992. While following the disconcerting story of Pamela and David Guenther and his abuse of power within their institution of marriage came to a head when David began to abuse the children. Pamela knew the risks of her leaving but when the children were involved she plotted her escape. Just shortly before her flight from the marital home, David murdered the neighbor and the charges were dismissed under the law of “make my day law” (Chicago Tribune, 1988). . One could assume that David’s power soared when looking at the situation and getting away with murder and assault. What he was doing to his wife as no different, instilling fear and domination of power of her and the family unit with everything he …show more content…
Unfortunately, a restraining order does not stop a bullet, but it at least alerts the institutions that there is a problem so they know in which direction to search for the perpetrator. Laws no longer categorize a murder such as a crime of passion, it has taken on a new title over the last decade and is aptly named domestic violence. There are no loop holes other than insanity by which a defendant can skate on killing their significant other that are relied up on in court. In the David Guenther case, according to the Chicago Tribune, the attorney of record based the defense on “an act of passion” and put the blame on the victim, and it was all her fault (Chicago Tribune 1988) Since the making of this movie, there have been social and industrial changes which help, or try to help, women prior to taking such extreme actions but as in any system, it still is flawed due to inadequate guidelines to ensure protection to families, women in