Compulsory heterosexuality

Definition

Compulsory heterosexuality is the societal expectation that individuals should be heterosexual and engage in relationships with the opposite sex. This concept suggests that heterosexuality is not just a preference but a mandatory norm, reinforcing traditional gender roles and marginalizing those who do not conform, particularly within feminist and queer theory discussions.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Adrienne Rich introduced the concept of compulsory heterosexuality in her 1980 essay, highlighting how societal norms dictate women's sexual orientation and relationships.
2. This concept critiques the ways in which patriarchy enforces heterosexuality as a norm, often at the expense of women's autonomy and sexual freedom.
3. Rich argues that compulsory heterosexuality contributes to the invisibility of lesbian existence and desires, making it difficult for women to express non-heterosexual identities.
4. The idea of compulsory heterosexuality challenges the belief that heterosexuality is natural by revealing how it is maintained through social structures and cultural practices.
5. Rich's work has influenced queer feminist theory, pushing for a broader understanding of female sexuality and the need to validate diverse sexual identities beyond heterosexual norms.

Review Questions

• How does compulsory heterosexuality relate to traditional gender roles in society?
  • Compulsory heterosexuality reinforces traditional gender roles by promoting the idea that men and women should engage in opposite-sex relationships. This societal expectation pressures individuals to conform to specific behaviors associated with masculinity and femininity, leading to a lack of acceptance for those who identify as LGBTQ+. By framing heterosexuality as the default, it upholds patriarchal structures that limit personal freedom and diversity in sexual expression.
• What impact does compulsory heterosexuality have on women's autonomy according to Adrienne Rich?
  • According to Adrienne Rich, compulsory heterosexuality significantly undermines women's autonomy by dictating their sexual orientation and relationship choices. It creates an environment where women's desires are secondary to societal expectations, resulting in restricted freedom to explore their sexuality fully. This dynamic contributes to the oppression of women and diminishes the visibility of lesbian identities and experiences, thereby perpetuating inequality.
• Evaluate the role of compulsory heterosexuality in shaping queer feminist theory's critique of societal norms surrounding sexuality.
  • Compulsory heterosexuality plays a crucial role in shaping queer feminist theory's critique by highlighting how deeply ingrained societal norms dictate not only sexual orientation but also the power dynamics between genders. By critiquing these norms, queer feminists advocate for a recognition of diverse sexual identities and relationships, pushing back against the limitations imposed by heteronormativity. This evaluation emphasizes the need for inclusive perspectives that acknowledge all forms of love and desire, thus challenging the binary views on sexuality that have historically marginalized non-heterosexual experiences.

Related terms

heteronormativity:

The assumption that heterosexual relationships are the default or 'normal' sexual orientation, which often leads to discrimination against non-heterosexual orientations.

patriarchy: A social system in which men hold primary power, dominating in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege, and control of property.

lesbian continuum:

A term coined by Adrienne Rich that describes the spectrum of relationships among women, emphasizing that emotional and sexual bonds among women exist on a continuum rather than being strictly defined.