From Pornography to Sadomasochism: Reconciling Feminist Differences

Abstract

Stemming from a belief in the deeply interconnected character of private and public events, sexuality was a key part of second-wave feminist thought in the 1960s and 1970s. In turn, feminism influenced academic interest in sexuality throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Yet, the sex debates, or sex wars, of the later decades have resulted in a recurrent division between feminists. Some have emphasized the structural character of sexist subordination; others have paid relatively greater attention to individual experiences of sexual repression. This split between sexism and sex manifested itself in polarized feminist positions over a variety of issues. This article focuses specific attention on feminist divisions over pornography and sadomasochism, and it suggests synthetic positions beyond either-or divides. Suggestions are made for a third wave of feminism that avoids divisive pitfalls and includes considerations of both differences and commonalities between women.