Sexualization in Literature & Literary Theory

Etymology of Sexualization

Table of Contents

The term “sexualization” derives from the noun “sexuality,” which refers to the complex array of human behaviors, desires, and experiences related to sexual activity and relationships.

The suffix “-ization” is a common linguistic element used to form nouns from verbs or adjectives, signifying the process or act of making something conform to a particular quality or state. Therefore, “sexualization” represents the action or process of imbuing a person, object, or concept with sexual attributes or connotations, often in a cultural or social context.

This term is frequently employed in academic discourse, particularly in fields like psychology, gender studies, and media studies, to examine how individuals or entities are objectified or portrayed in a sexual manner, and the implications of such portrayals on societal norms and behaviors.

Meanings of Sexualization

Aspect	Meaning
Cultural and Media Representation	Sexualization can refer to the portrayal of individuals, often women and girls, in media and popular culture in a sexually suggestive or objectifying manner, where their physical appearance and appeal take precedence over their other qualities or attributes.
Objectification	It may entail the objectification of individuals, turning them into sexual objects for the gratification of others, often ignoring their humanity, thoughts, or feelings.
Childhood and Adolescence	In a specific context, it refers to the premature sexualization of children or adolescents, where they are exposed to or pressured into engaging in sexual behaviors or attire, which can have adverse psychological and social consequences.
Psychological Effects	Sexualization can also pertain to the psychological consequences of being exposed to sexualized images or experiences, such as body image concerns, self-esteem issues, and the development of unhealthy sexual attitudes.
Gender and Power Dynamics	It is often intertwined with discussions of gender and power, where the sexualization of women and non-binary individuals is seen as a manifestation of power imbalances and inequalities.
Consumer Culture	In consumer culture, it relates to the use of sexual imagery to market products or services, leveraging sexual appeal to sell goods and creating a connection between consumption and sexuality.
Agency and Empowerment	In some contexts, it can be viewed as a form of empowerment or a reclamation of one’s sexuality, where individuals assert their right to express themselves in a sexual manner as a form of self-expression and self-determination.

Definition of Sexualization as a Theoretical Term

Sexualization, as a theoretical term, refers to the process by which individuals, particularly women and girls, are objectified and portrayed in a sexually suggestive or objectifying manner in media, popular culture, or society.

It signifies the reduction of an individual’s worth and identity to their physical appearance and sexual appeal, often at the expense of acknowledging their holistic qualities and attributes.

Within academic discourse, the concept of sexualization is employed to analyze the impact of these portrayals on gender dynamics, power structures, and the psychological well-being of those affected, illuminating the intersections of sexuality, gender, and societal norms.

Sexualization: Theorists, Works and Arguments

Theorist	Notable Work	Central Argument
Gail Dines	Pornland: How Pn Has Hijacked Our Sexuality	Gail Dines critically examines the role of pornography in shaping contemporary perceptions of sexuality and argues that the sexualization of women in pornography contributes to objectification, unrealistic standards, and harmful effects on society, particularly women.
Jean Kilbourne	Killing Us Softly (Documentary series)	Through her documentary series, Jean Kilbourne explores the ways in which advertising and media contribute to the sexualization of women and girls, emphasizing how these portrayals perpetuate harmful gender stereotypes and impact self-esteem and body image.
Catherine A. MacKinnon	Toward a Feminist Theory of the State	Catherine MacKinnon is known for her feminist legal theory and argues that sexualization contributes to the subordination of women. She contends that sexual objectification and the commodification of women’s bodies reinforce gender-based violence and discrimination.
Ariel Levy	Female Chauvinist Pigs: Women and the Rise of Raunch Culture	Ariel Levy critiques the emergence of a “raunch culture” in which women participate in their own sexual objectification. She argues that this form of sexualization promotes conformity to harmful gender norms and diminishes the empowerment of women.
Linda Papadopoulos	Mirror, Mirror: Dr. Linda’s Body Image Revolution	Linda Papadopoulos explores the impact of media and advertising on body image and self-esteem, highlighting how the sexualization of bodies in these contexts influences how individuals perceive themselves and their worth.
Laura Mulvey	“Visual Pleasure and Narrative Cinema”	In her essay, Laura Mulvey introduces the concept of the “male gaze” in cinema and argues that the sexualization of female characters serves the voyeuristic desires of a presumed male audience, reinforcing traditional gender roles and power imbalances.

Sexualization and Literary Theories

Feminist Literary Theory:
- In feminist literary theory, sexualization is often explored to examine how women are portrayed in literature and the impact of such portrayals on gender roles and power dynamics. This theory critically assesses how female characters may be subjected to sexual objectification and how this influences their agency and representation in narratives.
Queer Theory:
- Queer theory delves into issues of sexuality and sexual identity in literature. It looks at how characters and narratives may challenge or subvert conventional norms of sexualization, offering alternative perspectives on sexuality and the fluidity of sexual identities.
Postcolonial Literary Theory:
- In postcolonial literary theory, the sexualization of individuals from colonized regions is examined in the context of colonial and imperial power dynamics. It explores how colonial literature may depict sexualized stereotypes and the consequences of such portrayals.

Psychoanalytic Literary Theory:
- Psychoanalytic theory, particularly the works of Sigmund Freud and Jacques Lacan, often touches on the sexualized elements of characters and narratives. It delves into the unconscious and subconscious drives, desires, and sexual imagery in literature, shedding light on the complexity of characters’ motivations and behaviors.
Gender and Sexuality Studies in Literature:
- Gender and sexuality studies in literature provide a broad framework for analyzing how sexualization contributes to the construction of gender and sexual identities in literary works. This theory explores the ways in which characters’ sexual experiences and expressions intersect with broader societal norms.
Narrative Theory:
- Narrative theory examines how sexualization is used as a narrative device in literature. Authors may employ sexual elements to develop character arcs, plotlines, and themes, impacting the storytelling structure and reader engagement.

Cultural Studies and Literature:
- Cultural studies in literature investigate how sexualization is tied to cultural norms, values, and representations. This theory considers how literature reflects and influences the cultural understanding of sexuality and sexual behavior.

Sexualization in Literary Criticism

Work	Critique
*Normal People* by Sally Rooney	Sally Rooney’s *Normal People* has received critical acclaim for its honest and nuanced portrayal of the sexual and emotional dynamics between its characters, highlighting the profound impact of sexualization on their personal growth and relationship complexities. Critics have praised the novel’s exploration of intimacy and desire in a contemporary setting.
*My Dark Vanessa* by Kate Elizabeth Russell	*My Dark Vanessa* by Kate Elizabeth Russell has sparked intense discussion and critique due to its unflinching examination of the sexualization of a young girl by an older authority figure. Literary critics have commended the book for its exploration of trauma, victimhood, and society’s role in perpetuating harmful dynamics.
*Three Women* by Lisa Taddeo	Lisa Taddeo’s *Three Women* has been lauded for its candid and empathetic examination of female sexualization, emphasizing the societal constraints and expectations placed on women’s desires. Critics have praised the book’s in-depth portrayal of women’s intimate experiences.
*The Pisces* by Melissa Broder	In *The Pisces* by Melissa Broder, critics have appreciated the novel’s fusion of erotic and fantastical elements to explore sexualization in the context of love and human connection. The book’s unique approach to sexuality and desire has sparked thoughtful analysis and discussion.

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