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Approaches to Penetration — Theoretical Difference in Practice

Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway, agnes.bolso{at}hf.ntnu.no

This article questions the sometimes over-polarized debates about theoretical perspectives within feminist academia. What differing effects do apparently conflicting theoretical approaches have on the empirical analysis of cultural phenomena and on our understanding of sexual politics or possibilities for change? The author gives an account of two contrasting understandings of the (bodily) symbolic, and applies these differing perspectives to the often problematical analysis of sexual penetration. One approach could be seen as the classical semiotic one, as found in the work of the Norwegian anthropologist, Jorun Solheim, the other, understood as poststructuralist or queer, is exemplified in the work of the American philosopher, Judith Butler. Both are feminists working for changes in traditional gender symbolism, but they otherwise start from seemingly quite separate theoretical premises.

Key Words: eroticity • penetration • phallus • queer theory • semiotics

References

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Sexualities, Vol. 10, No. 5, 559-581 (2007)
DOI: 10.1177/1363460707083169


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This Article Abstract Free Full Text (Free PDF) Free Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Email this article to a friend Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to Saved Citations Download to citation manager Request Permissions Request Reprints Add to My Marked Citations Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Citing Articles via Scopus Google Scholar Articles by Bolsø, A. Search for Related Content Social Bookmarking                         What's this?