Feminist sex wars

Feminist Sex Wars, also known as the Lesbian Sex Wars or simply the Sex Wars, were vigorous debates within the feminist movement during the late 1970s through the 1980s around the issues of feminism, sexuality, sexual representation, pornography, and sexual identity. The debate pitted anti-pornography feminism against pro-sex feminism, and parts of the feminist movement were deeply divided by these debates.

Background

The Feminist Sex Wars and the debates they entailed have their roots in the late 1960s, when the Women's Liberation Movement began to gain momentum. The movement was characterized by women's liberation groups, advocacy for women's rights, and the challenge of patriarchal society. The feminist movement was not a unified, homogeneous movement, but rather a collection of different strands of feminist thought and action, which often clashed with each other.

Anti-Pornography Feminism

Anti-pornography feminists, such as Andrea Dworkin and Catharine MacKinnon, argued that pornography was a form of violence against women, and was instrumental in creating and maintaining sex inequality. They advocated for laws that defined and prohibited pornography as a civil rights violation.

Pro-Sex Feminism

Pro-sex feminists, on the other hand, argued that sexual freedom was an essential component of women's freedom. They advocated for the acceptance of a variety of sexual practices, including BDSM, lesbian erotica, and sex work. They also criticized the anti-pornography feminist view as censorious and moralistic.

Impact and Legacy

The Feminist Sex Wars left a lasting impact on the feminist movement and on how society perceives and deals with issues of sexuality and gender. The debates brought attention to the issue of pornography and sexual violence, and led to the development of feminist theories on sexuality. They also led to a greater recognition of the diversity of women's sexual identities and practices.

See Also

• Feminism
• Sexuality
• Pornography
• Sexual identity
• Women's Liberation Movement
• Andrea Dworkin
• Catharine MacKinnon