Book Review: On Violence and on Violence Against Women

Near the conclusion of the first chapter, author Jacqueline Rose states, “I have never so regretted agreeing to write on a subject” (76). I experienced a similar feeling while reading this book, and there is something about it that unsettles me as a reader and a scholar. Many chapters contain work that has been previously published in Rose's essays or literature reviews, her research is referenced and interspersed with stories and scenarios that are presented in circular or spiral fashion, and parenthetical commentary is peppered throughout the chapters, inserting subjectivity and tonal inflection as the author interprets the evidence for readers. Many readers may struggle to make sense of the book's organization—to connect the dots—and it is precisely that perception that led me to a helpful metaphor for approaching Rose's book. Much like Virginia Woolf was inspired by post-impressionism visual artists to write in a form that reflected her perception of that style of painting, Rose's chapters and arguments are points that, taken together, create an impression that elevates issues of violence against women and violence in general. Because Rose paints her picture with psychoanalysis as the model that is referenced throughout the book, it is important to step back and notice how the strategic distances between people and topics both open space for thought and reflection, and center—or eclipse—the women who are the victims and/or survivors of violence in a broad sense and global context.

To situate the perception that informs this review, I remind readers that in the time since Rose's manuscript was written the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has caused over a million deaths in the United States, children and adults were killed by gun violence in ordinary settings (e.g., a supermarket and school), and concern about the future of women's reproductive rights has been exacerbated by a leaked opinion drafted by Supreme Court Justice Alito. Incidents of domestic violence have risen dramatically due to complex, interrelated factors (e.g., psychological, financial, physical) associated with the pandemic. Those working in the field of social work confront the impact that such factors have on human beings and do not frequently seek opportunities to distance themselves from the suffering of others. In contrast, Rose highlights a concern that she has about writing on the subject of violence, noting that there “is always a risk—one which I have tried to avoid, though I am sure not always successfully—of turning sexual violence into the crime we love to hate” (23).

Rose expresses her discomfort in calling attention to acts of violence that could, because we are all capable of violence, serve to awaken a voyeuristic impulse or titillate the viewer/reader, thereby increasing potential acts of violence. She repeatedly calls attention to men who famously (notoriously?) perpetuate violence, however, such as Donald Trump, Jair Bolsonaro, Oscar Pistorius, and Harvey Weinstein. Violence against women has been depicted in paintings, propaganda, and advertisements for centuries—in mythical and religious imagery, graffiti, and intentionally beautiful ways that glorify the unimaginable. Because so much discourse is dominated by male perspective, power, and privilege (associated with race, education, and financial status), it is no surprise that violence is rampant on college campuses and in facilities for refugees, is increasingly directed at transgender women, and has fueled resistance movements around the world (e.g., #MeToo, la manada protests), which Rose describes.

It is somewhat surprising, however, that Rose chooses to draw a distinction between “radical feminism” (and Catharine MacKinnon, specifically) and her preferred feminism because of a fundamental disagreement over masculinity and control. Rose contends that “it is masculinity out of control—masculinity in a panic—that is most likely to turn ugly” (48). Following psychoanalytical reasoning, men act violently toward women because of their own fears and frailties, which are intolerable and therefore projected onto women. Women, in turn, internalize/introject those qualities, finding justification for them and adjusting their perceptions accordingly. Therefore, while violence is often physical, numerous domains associated with human functioning are interconnected and nestled within larger community and societal systems.

While Rose insists that “[p]sychoanalysis does not judge” (62), human beings do, and the systems humans create perpetuate the biases and assumptions that sustain these systems. For people teaching and training in the field of social work, there is typically explicit, intentional attention paid to the lenses through which we perceive the human condition. There is discipline in reflective practice that helps professionals cultivate the capacity to honor differences and identify strengths and assets in terms of basic human regard.

Authors sometimes write, presenting an explanation that is taken for a justification. Rose invites readers into her consciousness, centering herself as our interpreter, and leads readers into a space between questioning and knowing. Whether or not readers agree with Rose's point of view, the information presented in the book is a provocation for readers to ask more questions, create meaning, and to empower others in their personal and professional relationships.