Erotic hierarchies are patterns that determine who has power and control during intimate acts such as kissing, hugging, touching, caressing, penetrating, and intercourse. They can be understood in relation to social systems because they exist between individuals and involve mutual agreements. These patterns also have repercussions for society since they are based on social structures like gender, race, class, age, disability, and others.
The system of slavery in the United States required black women to submit to their white masters' whims, which included sexually. Similarly, men who earn more than women may expect them to perform sexual favors in exchange for money. In intimate relationships, there is often an assumption of hierarchy where one person is dominant and another submissive. This is problematic because it reinforces existing political inequalities.
One way erotic hierarchies reproduce political inequalities is through the performance of particular roles that reflect broader societal norms. The man is typically seen as the active partner while the woman is passive. If this role reversal occurs, it may lead to a challenge or denial of traditional roles. As a result, the man may feel emasculated and the woman might experience feelings of guilt. Another mechanism is the use of punishments and rewards for breaking rules.
If a woman refuses to engage in a certain activity or initiates something without permission, she could face retaliation from her partner. On the other hand, being granted access to something that was previously restricted can promote a sense of control and power over the situation.
Erotic hierarchies can perpetuate inequality by enforcing ideologies about what is acceptable behavior within different groups. This means that those at the bottom of the hierarchy must adhere to these standards or risk further marginalization.
Erotic hierarchies are not just personal preferences but manifestations of larger systems of oppression. They serve to maintain power imbalances by reinforcing gendered, racialized, and class-based norms. It's essential to acknowledge this reality when discussing intimacy to avoid reproducing harmful patterns.
How do erotic hierarchies within intimate relationships reflect and reproduce systemic political inequalities?
Erotic hierarchies within intimate relationships can be seen as a reflection of systemic political inequalities that exist in society at large. The power dynamics within these relationships often mirror those found in wider social structures, with one partner holding more authority over the other due to factors such as race, gender, class, age, or sexuality.