bell hooks’ “Ending Female Sexual Oppression” (1984)

1946-1989, Date, Defining the Enemy, Patriarchy, Subjectives of Refusal, Uncategorized, Women

This chapter rejects both traditional sexual repression and uncritical models of sexual “liberation.” This idea disrupts the assumption that sexuality should conform to male-centered standards of dominance, availability, and compulsory heterosexuality. This shift in ideology threatens social stability because it questions long-standing beliefs that women’s bodies exist for male access, that sexual activity is a social obligation, and that heterosexuality is the natural/superior norm. hooks shows that confronting sexual oppression also exposes divisions within feminism itself, particularly when rigid ideas about “politically correct” sexuality alienate large numbers of women. Ultimately, the movement’s power lies in its insistence on redefining sexuality as a site of choice, autonomy, and mutual respect, rather than coercion—an approach that challenges cultural, institutional, and interpersonal systems built on sexual control and inequality.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *