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Christin Rosado Assignment 06: Institutionality

Heterosexuality is a relationship between a man and a woman. Heterosexuality has been recognized all over the world as one of the most common and “normal” practices. However, many other sexualities have existed throughout the course of history like homosexuality. Writer Adrienne Rich wrote a book named Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence which discusses how heterosexuality is a sexuality forced upon citizens, mostly women. My essay will discuss the ways in which heterosexuality is institutionalized in the world as stated by Adrienne Rich.

First, heterosexuality is institutionalized through the economy. Nations have structured their societies so that many women will be dependent on men to survive financially in the world. Women who are not in a relationship with a man or do not have one in their household will have difficulty supporting themselves. The government controls relationships by paying women far less than men for the same work. This inequality makes it extremely difficult for women to survive. It is outrageous to know that a working lesbian couple will normally make less money than a working heterosexual couple. Through this economic inequality the government can force people into unwanted relationships just so that they can survive. I feel this is unfair. Regardless of gender I believe that people working the same job should be compensated for their work equally.

Heterosexuality is also institutionalized through the elimination of lesbian history. The destruction of works of literature and the history of lesbianism is a way of denying and hiding its existence from female citizens. This is an attempt to make people believe that there is only one sexuality which is believed to be heterosexuality and that is false. By concealing this information, it prohibits women from learning that they can be with someone from their same gender and not a man. Women who are questioning their sexuality or are developing feelings for someone of their gender have nothing to read or turn to. These women were not given the chance to see that there are others who at one time felt how they do which leads them to believe that their feelings are wrong. Shielding female citizens from this history denies them the right to have a choice of their sexuality.

Lastly, the institutionalization of heterosexuality happens through the media. The media in the past and present times forces upon people certain ideals of with whom they should live their life and how they should live their life. By constantly reinforcing heterosexual relationships in certain programs it shows people that it is “right” and “normal” for men and women to be together and that anything other than that isn’t “normal”. By failing to show same sex relationships this is another way of denying lesbianism and trying to conform people to fit societies ideals. The media also airs many programs that depict women as sexual objects to men. I believe that this depiction is terrible because it insinuates that a woman’s responsibility is to not only be with a man but to strive to satisfy him sexually.

Heterosexuality is a relationship between a man and a woman. This sexuality has constantly been reinforced upon people for many years. Heterosexuality is institutionalized through the economy, the elimination of lesbian history, and the media. Many societies have structured their economy so that heterosexual relationships are the most beneficial unions. The unequal pay between men and women forces many women to be dependent on men for their survival. The elimination of lesbian history keeps its female citizens from learning about possible unions other than heterosexuality. Lastly, the media is a way for societies to influence the lives of its citizens by reinforcing certain practices like heterosexuality upon them. In my opinion, I strongly believe that societies should not possess the ability to influence its citizen’s sexuality and destroy historical evidence.