Examining Slut-Shaming Through a Foucauldian Perspective

• In Event: 306 - Section on Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables (one-hour)
  In Refereed Roundtable: Section on Sociology of Sexualities Roundtables (one-hour). Table 01. Heteronormativity

Abstract

This paper examines the structural forces that impact “slut-shaming” of young women and the social construction of promiscuity through a Foucauldian perspective. Utilizing Foucault’s concepts of discourse, biopower, scientia sexualis, ars erotica, and confession, this paper focuses on the ways in which women’s expression of sexual desire causes them to be labeled “sluts.” Furthermore, this paper seeks to understand abstinence-only sexual education as a main site of the construction of promiscuity and the reinforcement of patriarchal, heteronormative sexual ideals. Ultimately, this paper seeks to understand the ways in which, by focusing on understanding sexuality through agency and pleasure, sexual education can work to build young women’s sexual subjectivity, rather than reinforce women as ideally sexual passivity.

Key words: slut shaming, sexual education, sexual agency

Author

• Jamie O'Quinn, San Francisco State University