The Sex Wars

During the 1970s, much of the discourse in the feminist movement was dominated by discussions of lesbian feminism.

Toward the end of the decade, however, the conversations within feminism began to focus on a new topic: sexuality. This included sexuality of all types, not just lesbian sexuality. Included in the discussions and debates were heterosexuality, pornography, sadomasochism, butch/femme roles, and prostitution.

One of the issues, pornography, was quickly taken up by some in the feminist movement as a central issue, and so the anti-pornography feminist movement was born. Very soon afterward, there was a reaction against this movement, a reaction which is termed “pro-sex” feminism.

The two sides of this debate quickly became heated and passionate, thus became the Sex Wars.

Key Issues of the Sex Wars:

What is the fundamental nature of sex and sexuality?

Is pornography an issue of violence against women or an issue of free speech?

Which kinds of sex are appropriate and politically correct and which are not?

Who gets to decide?

How did each side of the debate characterize themselves and how were they characterized by their opponents?

In what ways did the debates around sexuality affect lesbian women?

How are people still being affected today?