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Assignment 06

In Adrienne Rich’s, Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence, she argues that heterosexuality is institutionalized. Heterosexuality is the most widely accepted orientation in society by far and although that is alright, it is often forced upon women who don’t agree with it. This can lead to homosexual women being oppressed and having to suppress or hide their interests and/or sexual orientation.

Rich brings up an essay by Kathleen Gough titled “The Origin of the Family,” in which she lists the many ways men maintain power over women and by extension, control their sexual orientation. Such ways include: physical abuse, rape, confinement, objectification, etc. Rich also brings up a study called Sexual Harassment of Working Women: A Case of Sexual Discrimination  by Catharine A MacKinnon where she talks about women and their orientation in the workplace. Not only are they underpaid but women have to sometimes deal with sexual harassment and abuse in the workplace by male workers who get paid more for the same jobs. Even if homosexual, women have to keep up a heterosexual facade as to not be rejected in the workplace.

Heterosexuality being a social norm also makes it hard since homosexual women have to hide their orientation or be forced into relationships they are unhappy with or don’t agree with. Being a lesbian may be viewed as trying to restrict male rights to women and therefore gains less support and can make some uncomfortable and hesitant. Heterosexuality is institutionalized in society, the workplace, home, media, everywhere. As long as it is the norm and everything else is seen as wrong, women’s right of choice and ability to express their sexual orientation in ways that are uncommon will be difficult and an uphill battle.