Mononormative femicides

the need for a linguistic turn in the understanding of conjugal murders

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.9771/peri.v1i21.58612

Abstract

This theoretical essay aims to problematize how conjugal femicides are influenced by the monogamous device and propose the adoption of the concept of mononormative femicides as a way to give visibility to the imperative of monogamy in such crimes. To support this argument, we seek to problematize the invention of the monogamous family, the understanding of monogamy as a device that regulates behaviors and masculinities, to thus arrive at the concept of mononormative femicide. We understand that female murders in conjugal relationships, commonly motivated by jealousy, infidelity, and separation, elements that characterize the monogamous contract, become intelligible insofar as mononormativity is not questioned. Therefore, we advocate that naming such crimes as mononormative femicides allows us to unmask monogamy as a promise of happiness, highlighting the numerous forms of violence that sustain it.

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Author Biographies

Camila Maffioleti Cavaler, Santa Catarina Federal University

PhD in psychology from the Federal University of Santa Catarina (PPGP/UFSC). Researcher in the research group Modos de Vida, Família e Relações de Gênero (Margens) at UFSC. Professor in the Psychology Department at the University of the Extreme South of Santa Catarina (Unesc). Doctoral scholarship holder from the Santa Catarina Research and Innovation Support Foundation (Fapesc).

Adriano Beiras, Santa Catarina Federal University

Adjunct professor at the Psychology Department of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) and PhD in Social Psychology from the Autonomous University of Barcelona (UAB).

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Published

2025-02-22

How to Cite

Maffioleti Cavaler, C., & Beiras, A. (2025). Mononormative femicides: the need for a linguistic turn in the understanding of conjugal murders. Revista Periódicus, 1(21), 395–422. https://doi.org/10.9771/peri.v1i21.58612

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 21 (2025): Defying monogamy: emergent biopolitics of relational dissidence

Section

Dossier 21- Defying monogamy: emergent biopolitics of relational dissidence

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Copyright (c) 2025 Camila Maffioleti Cavaler, Adriano Beiras

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