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Assignment 05: Thinking Sex

Gayle Rubin’s, “Thinking Sex: Notes from a Radical Theory of the Politics of Sexuality” is an examination of sexuality in society, and the ways that it is heavily structured. Rubin attributes the current fear and lack of discussion of sexuality to notions that emerged in the U.S and England in the late nineteenth century. For example, things such as masturbation, obscene literature and art, and abortion were discouraged and crusaded against. These ideas lead to the rejection and persecution of certain sexual groups, such as homosexuals and the transgender community. These ideas that were promoted lead to the rigid structuring of sexuality, as well as the lack of acceptance and ability to engage in conversations regarding sexuality.

Rubin describes several assumptions about sex, many of which go unquestioned. One of the most significant assumptions that affects sexuality, is that sex is a negative thing. Sex is deemed dangerous, harmful and sinful, and something that should only happen in marriage to produce children so long as it is not “too” pleasurable. This attitude towards sex prevents any discussion from happening, because how can people speak about sex objectively if their attitude towards it is negative? The assumption that sex is negative, especially if it is not heterosexual furthers the oppression of the lgbtq community.

Rubin claims that sexual activity is organized in a hierarchal system, that places “reproductive heterosexuals”at the top of the pyramid. According to Rubin, certain sexual acts have more or less value, and are more or less accepted depending on their place in the hierarchy of sex. Rubin states that low-status sex acts are condemned, and those who engage are viewed as criminals or mentally ill, while heterosexuals at the top are rewarded with social mobility and institutional support. This hierarchy of sexual activity prevents discussion of sexuality that is not “normal”, and stigmatizes people who are not deemed regular by society. The preconceived notions of sex enforce the system that is sexuality, which makes it more difficult to engage in productive discussion of sex. If sexuality that isn’t hetero is disregarded and shunned before it is even in the public view, how can people shed their ignorance and speak about sex? As long as sex is seen as taboo, it will be hard to dismantle the system that is sexuality.