‘—

Assignment 6 – Institutionality

Heterosexuality has been embedded into the minds of individuals for as long as we can remember. It is depicted as the ideal and ‘correct’ form of sexuality, which ultimately, affects individuals who identify themselves as homosexual. Throughout the course of history, homosexuality has risen and become more prominent in society, yet the systematic beliefs of what is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ still seem to be in constant battle with anything that opposes the concept of heterosexuality. According to Rich, heterosexuality is forced upon individuals, and is specifically targeted towards women.

The initial, and most obvious, instance in which heterosexuality is imposed on women is through the workplace. Since the very beginning of industrialization, it is no surprise that women have been treated unfairly, as they are paid less and seen as less valuable. Ultimately, this creates the idea that a woman needs a man in order to support themselves. Another case is sexual harassment in the workplace. Rich argues that not only are women directed into lower paying jobs, such as nurses, waitresses, or child care workers, but they are sexualized, as ‘sexualization of the woman’ is part of the job. Women who resisted sexual remarks or insinuations in the workplace were automatically deemed as lesbian. Ultimately, women were shaped by two major aspects; men’s control over their sexuality and economic control over the lives of employees.

Lesbian existence is depicted as an attack on a male’s ‘right of access’ to a woman. The act of being a lesbian rejects the compulsory way of life, which many individuals have grown comfortable with. Lesbian individuals are deprived of their own placement in society, as they are simply thrown in as the female versions of male homosexuality. However, by lumping them into the same category as male homosexuality basically removes the focus on females, yet again. Essentially, they cannot be categorized the same way, as their constant inferiority to men leaves them lower on the ladder in comparison to male homosexuality. Another issue is that it is said that women turn to women in spite of men. This idea not only takes away from the lesbian existence but also takes away from women in general, as it makes a mockery out of their choices. Ultimately, heterosexuality is depicted so often in our society as the proper way to be that it leaves no room for anything that is out of this norm. Whether it may be the workplace or the media or the imposition of men, heterosexuality is clearly institutionalized. Not only do individuals believe this and voice this to others, but our society is structured around it as well. Heterosexual couples and ideals are protected and enforced in society so that this rigid mindset remains.