Phrase
introduced in the 1970s to enable postmodern feminist analysis of prostitution,
pornography, phone sex, strippers, and other occupations in the sex industry.
1)
Provides alternative to
a.
conservative
framework: moral depravation. Prostitute as figure of evil. Problematic because
morality can be used to enforce obedience for sexist norms.
b.
Liberal
framework: victims. Prostitute as weak and lacking ability. Problematic because
women as weak passive victims is part of the sexist mythology used to justify
protection by men.
2)
Yes, sex workers are often forced into the occupation due to economic or social
problems. But we should critique coercion – economic, legal, social – as it
appears in all occupations, not just sex industry occupations. Many
people find themselves forced to do a job they might otherwise choose not to
do, and can only seek dignity, respect, and better labor relations.
3)
Some women in the sex industry report a psychological gain of control over
sexuality (eg against abusive childhood).
4)
Sex workers can be providing psychological counseling for clients, seeking
alternative lifestyles, rebelling against middle-class norms, etc.
5)
Harm reduction is often a better approach to reducing social ills than coercive
legal enforcement.
Anthropologist
Sherry Turkle reports in interviews with couples in which one or both partners
engaged in interactive real time text exchanges (eg chat room) with other
entities (probably humans but you never know).
1)
In
some cases this was by consensual agreement; no problems. (eg non-monogamous,
not seen as “real,” seen as mere erotic literature).
2)
In
other cases one partner “tolerates” a behavior in the other that they are not
entirely comfortable with.
3)
In
some cases strong disapproval; this threatens marriage.
Mar
9 bring laptops if ya got em
Mar
14 no class – spring recess
Mar
16 no class – spring recess
Mar
21 one page progress report due