Sexual dominance is often framed as a phenomenon that occurs between individuals within romantic or sexual relationships.
It can also intersect with broader forms of social power and gender inequality. In this article, I will explore how sexual dominance interacts with concepts such as race, class, disability, age, education, location, religion, culture, and politics to create patterns of privilege and oppression.
One way in which sexual dominance intersects with race is through the idea of white supremacy. White people are often seen as more desirable partners than people of color, leading to a pattern of preference for white bodies in dominant/submissive dynamics. This perpetuates racist ideas about racial superiority and inferiority, reinforcing the belief that whiteness is superior to blackness, brownness, or other marginalized identities.
Class and socioeconomic status can also play a role in sexual dominance. People from higher classes are more likely to have access to resources and opportunities that give them an edge in negotiating power dynamics during sex.
Those who have wealth or influence may be able to manipulate or control their partner's behavior outside of the bedroom, creating a system where the richer partner holds more power overall.
Disability can also intersect with sexual dominance. People with physical or mental disabilities may face discrimination and exclusion from sexual experiences, or they may be viewed as less capable or desirable partners by able-bodied people. This can lead to a dynamic where disabled people are often subordinate to their non-disabled counterparts in the bedroom.
Age can also play a role in sexual dominance. Younger individuals may be perceived as more desirable partners due to societal norms that value youth and beauty over wisdom and experience. Older people may find themselves in subordinate positions, especially if they are no longer seen as physically attractive or energetic enough to meet their partner's needs.
Location can also impact sexual dominance. People living in urban areas may have more options when it comes to dating and sex, giving them an advantage over those who live in rural areas. Religion can also intersect with sexual dominance, with some religions promoting traditional gender roles and hierarchy within relationships.
Cultural differences can also affect sexual dominance. Some cultures place greater importance on female submission while others emphasize male dominance, leading to different expectations and behaviors during sex. Political affiliation can also play a role, with conservative or right-wing ideologies often promoting heteronormativity and patriarchy, which can reinforce gender inequality in sexual relationships.
How does sexual dominance intersect with broader forms of social power and gender inequality?
Sexual dominance is often intertwined with other forms of power and gender inequality due to cultural norms that assign different roles and expectations based on one's sex. These cultural norms can perpetuate and maintain systems of oppression by reinforcing ideas about who should have control over their sexuality and how they should express it.