A monument to E.G. Wakefield : new and historical materialist dialogues for a posthuman international law

In this chapter, we consider a posthumanist critique of international law in relation to the material world. Our perspective on posthumanism and international law is framed by a monument of Edward Gibbon Wakefield, the so-called ‘founding father’ of the colony of South Australia. Centering the monument in our dialogue, we discuss two types of materialism: New materialism and historical materialism. We argue that an engagement with new and old materialism opens possibilities for a critical engagement with posthumanism. Central to this critical engagement are themes of materiality, settler colonialism, agency, and exploitation – themes that are key for understanding the operation of international law. By identifying where the materialist theories differ, and also where they converge, we ultimately seek to identify the utility of a posthumanist critique for destabilising international law’s imperialist, capitalist, racialized and patriarchal structures

Mothers' experiences of cooperative coparenting with their coresident partners in Aotearoa/New Zealand

This pilot study uses focus groups in a large New Zealand city to provide a preliminary view of mothers’ lived experiences of coparenting. The ten mothers with coresident partners and young children revealed their perception of cooperative parenting partnerships in two ways. First, even though the division of childcare was unequal, mothers expected partners to be responsive to their needs by providing backup and giving them an opportunity to switch off. Second, mothers felt that complementary parenting styles were successful when they and their partners shared values and managed any conflict which arose. This pilot study provides a promising beginning for further cross-national research into New Zealand coparenting.Peer Reviewe

Dictating to one of 'us' : the migration of Mrs Freer

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