WGS200Y5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 9 (4-37): Ethnogenesis, Domino Theory, Homoeroticism
Document Summary
It is organized into systems of power, which reward and encourage some individuals and activities while punishing and suppressing others. A radical theory of sex and sexuality must identify, describe explain and denounce erotic injustice and sexual oppression. Rubin argues that several persistent features of thought about sex inhibit the development of a radical theory of sex: Sexual essentialism: the idea that sex is a natural force that exists prior to social life and shaped institutions. Sexual thought shaped by discourses and institutions of medicine, psychiatry, and psychology. Sex negativity: western cultures generally consider sex to be dangerous, destructive and negative. Virtually all erotic behaviour is considered bad unless a speci c reason to exempt is established (ex. marriage and reproduction). Misplaced scale: where a single act of sex outside of what is considered institutionally or morally accepted becomes grounds for punishment.
