Date of Award
8-1991
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Sociology
First Advisor
Dr. Gerald Markle
Second Advisor
Dr. Ronald Kramer
Third Advisor
Dr. Subash Sonnad
Access Setting
Masters Thesis-Open Access
Abstract
This study examines an issue debated within the U.S. lesbian community since the mid-1970s, lesbian sadomasochism. The issue has been whether sadomasochism is consistent with lesbian feminism, a political ideology which has much shaped lesbian identity and community. The claims and counter-claims made about lesbian sadomasochism are analyzed, as are the underlying ideologies and their relationship to general lesbian political and cultural history. It is argued that the debate is the result of a limited subject position offered by lesbian feminism. The perspective of lesbian sadomasochists is seen as a call for a renewed lesbian feminist discourse. It is proposed that lesbian feminism adopt the notion of consciousness suggested by this perspective.
Recommended Citation
Ottosdottir, Gudbjorg, "The Debate on Lesbian Sadomasochism: A Discourse Analysis" (1991). Masters Theses. 977.
https://scholarworks.wmich.edu/masters_theses/977