Women theorising their experiences of anger: A study using memory-work

This paper represents part of an ongoing project on the social construction of emotion. Although our general findings are that emotions are complex and difficult to separate from one another, this paper focuses on anger - an emotion which presents problems for women. The theories used include social constructionism and the theory-and-method of memory-work developed by Haug (1987). Memory-work is a method of enquiry which is collective, subjective, and deconstructive. It uses written memories and collective theorising of them as its raw material. Our analysis of anger considers the way anger was experienced in terms of themes which relate to anger and fear, anger and hurt, suppression of anger, anger and injustice. The conclusion points out the importance of power relationships in the experience of anger and hence the relevance of considering gender differences. The analysis suggests that women's anger needs to be rendered valid and visible: its social representation changed.