The Dangers of Reform: 'Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics, and the Limits of Law'

Abstract:     
Professors Jennifer Levi and Giovanna Shay review Dean Spade's new book "Normal Life: Administrative Violence, Critical Trans Politics, and the Limits of Law." They argue that Professor Spade's theoretical approach, which he describes as "critical trans politics," is most useful when employed to analyze issues relating to criminal punishment and mass incarceration, and that it is less appropriate as a critique of the marriage equality movement. Despite some areas of disagreement with Professor Spade, the Authors conclude that the book makes an important contribution.

Number of Pages in PDF File: 4

Keywords: LGBTQ rights, law reform, prison reform, antidiscrimination laws, prison reform, marriage equality, same-sex couples, trans movement, transgender

Accepted Paper Series