The Political Economy of Sexuality

This article describes and analyzes contemporary sexual practice and the social context in which it occurs. Heterosexual and homosexual relations are analyzed in a manner analogous to Marx's labor theory of value. It is concluded that heterosexual relations are characterized by patterns in which male gratification is promoted and achieved at the expense of female gratification. In contrast, sexual behavior among homosexuals is found to be mutually satisfying to both partners. To achieve an egalitarian sexual system heterosexual behavior patterns must be supplanted by a sexual practice in which intercourse is not defined as the central sex act.