Phallocentrism in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Phallocentrism

The term “phallocentrism” derives its etymology from two key elements: “phallo,” which is rooted in the Greek word “phallos,” referring to the male genitalia, particularly the penis, and “centrism,” signifying a focus or concentration around a central point.

Phallocentrism, as a concept, is deeply embedded in feminist and gender theory, critiquing the historically pervasive dominance of male perspectives and values in various aspects of society, including culture, language, and power structures. It underscores the systematic privileging of masculinity and male experiences as the norm, often relegating women and alternative gender identities to subordinate or marginalized positions.

The term serves as a critical lens through which scholars analyze and challenge the inherent biases and inequalities that arise from this male-centric worldview.

Meanings of Phallocentrism

Aspect	Meanings
1. Gender Bias and Male-Centric Perspective	Bias favoring male viewpoints, overshadowing female and non-binary voices.
2. Representation of Gender and Sexuality	Examining portrayal of gender and sexuality, reinforcing stereotypes.
3. Power and Patriarchy	Exploration of male-dominated power structures in literature.
4. Language and Discourse	How language reinforces phallocentric ideologies, promoting gender bias.
5. Feminist Critique	Central concern in feminist theory, critiquing gender inequality.
6. Deconstruction and Subversion	Challenging and subverting phallocentric norms in literature.

Definition of Phallocentrism as a Theoretical Term

Phallocentrism, as a theoretical term, refers to a pervasive literary and cultural bias that prioritizes and centers male experiences, perspectives, and narratives while often marginalizing or overshadowing those of females and non-binary individuals.

It is characterized by the reinforcement of traditional gender norms, stereotypes, and male-dominated power structures in literary works and discourse. In feminist literary theory, phallocentrism is a critical concept used to analyze and critique the inherent gender bias and inequity present in many literary texts and broader societal contexts.

Phallocentrism: Theorists, Works, and Arguments

Theorists:

• Jacques Derrida: Introduced the concept of phallogocentrism, emphasizing the connection between language, patriarchy, and male dominance.
• Luce Irigaray: Critiqued traditional psychoanalysis and argued for a feminine language and sexual difference as alternatives to phallocentrism.
• Judith Butler: Explored gender performativity, challenging the binary framework perpetuated by phallocentric norms.

Works:

• Of Grammatology by Jacques Derrida: Discusses the privileging of speech over writing and its connection to phallocentrism.
• This Sex Which Is Not One by Luce Irigaray: Explores the female body and sexuality in contrast to the phallocentric perspective.
• Gender Trouble by Judith Butler: Challenges conventional notions of gender identity and expression, highlighting their relation to phallocentrism.

Arguments:

• Phallocentrism perpetuates a male-centered perspective in literature and culture, sidelining the voices and experiences of women and non-binary individuals.
• Language and discourse play a crucial role in reinforcing phallocentric ideologies, contributing to the marginalization of alternative perspectives.
• Feminist critique utilizes the concept of phallocentrism to call attention to the need for gender equality and the dismantling of traditional gender norms and stereotypes.

Phallocentrism and Literary Theories

Theory	Relevance
Feminist Literary Theory	Phallocentrism is central to feminist literary theory, analyzing the historical favoring of male experiences in literature and the marginalization of female characters and authors.
Postcolonialism	In postcolonial literature, phallocentrism explores colonial narratives that reinforce patriarchal and gender-biased structures.
Queer Theory	Queer theory examines how phallocentrism contributes to reinforcing heteronormative and binary views of sexuality and gender, excluding non-binary and LGBTQ+ perspectives.
Psychoanalytic Theory	Phallocentrism remains relevant in psychoanalytic literary theory when discussing the phallic symbol’s influence on power, desire, and gender representation in literature.
Deconstruction	Jacques Derrida’s works, introducing phallogocentrism, remain relevant in deconstructionist literary theory, challenging male-centered language and discourse in texts.
Gender and Sexuality Studies	Phallocentrism is pertinent in interdisciplinary studies of gender and sexuality, exploring how literature constructs and reinforces gender norms and stereotypes.
Marxist Literary Theory	Marxist literary theory explores the intersection of phallocentrism with class structures and economic power in literature, highlighting gender bias and social inequality.
Narrative Theory	In narrative theory, phallocentrism influences the structure and plot of stories, often centering on male characters and their perspectives.

Phallocentrism in Literary Criticism

1. by Margaret Atwood (1985): In this dystopian novel, phallocentrism is taken to extreme levels as women are reduced to their reproductive abilities, emphasizing the control of female bodies by men. The novel critiques the oppressive nature of patriarchal power structures.
2. by Naomi Alderman (2016): In this speculative fiction novel, women develop the power to produce electric shocks, subverting traditional gender dynamics. Phallocentrism is explored as the balance of power shifts, challenging the conventional male-dominated narrative and highlighting the consequences of gender-based power structures.
3. by Sally Rooney (2018): This novel delves into the complexities of a romantic relationship between the characters Connell and Marianne. It subtly examines how societal expectations, including phallocentrism, impact their interactions and decisions, illustrating the influence of traditional gender norms on personal relationships.
4. by Brit Bennett (2020): This novel explores themes of identity and race, but it also touches on phallocentrism within the context of gender and identity. The characters grapple with societal expectations and stereotypes related to gender roles and sexuality, illuminating how these norms affect their lives.

In these novels, phallocentrism is portrayed and critiqued in various ways, shedding light on its continued relevance in contemporary literary discourse and its impact on characters and society.

Suggested Readings

1. Derrida, Jacques. Of Grammatology. Translated by Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, Johns Hopkins University Press, 1997.
2. Irigaray, Luce. This Sex Which Is Not One. Translated by Catherine Porter, Cornell University Press, 1985.
3. Butler, Judith. Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge, 1990.
4. Cixous, Hélène. The Laugh of the Medusa. Translated by Keith Cohen and Paula Cohen, Signs, vol. 1, no. 4, 1976, pp. 875-893.
5. Mulvey, Laura. “Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema.” Screen, vol. 16, no. 3, 1975, pp. 6-18.
6. Freud, Sigmund. Three Essays on the Theory of Sexuality. Translated by James Strachey, Basic Books, 2000.
7. Showalter, Elaine. A Literature of Their Own: British Women Novelists from Brontë to Lessing. Princeton University Press, 1977.
8. Weedon, Chris. Feminist Practice & Poststructuralist Theory. Blackwell, 1997.