Sex and the rights of man

Examining the sexual rights of men

By: Greig A
Published in: IDS Bulletin, 37(5):2006
Via: Eldis

This paper explores the subject of sexual rights and the claims about such rights as they are made by and for men. It asks: what can men's interest be in the social and sexual revolution being proposed by advocates of sexual rights? The first answer to this question is to recognise that some men's sexual rights have long been violated. Those men who have sex with other men are especially vulnerable to such violation. But what about men who do appear to conform to dominant stereotypes of masculinity? What can be said of their sexual rights? Even these men may suffer sexual violence, as shown by figures on non-consensual heterosexual experiences reported by boys and men. Furthermore, gender socialisation (the process by which individuals learn and teach others about the roles and behaviours that are expected of them as a women or man in a given society) may inhibit men's ability to experience joy, dignity, autonomy and safety in their sexual lives. For example, gender socialisation dictates that men should be confident and take control in sexual relations, leaving no space for admission of the anxieties that many feel. However, it is also important to consider the privileges that ensue to men who conform to prevailing ideas about masculinity and sexuality. It is crucial both to recognise the gender constraints that shape men's sexual attitudes and behaviours, at the same time as holding men accountable for the choices and decisions that they do make within their sexual lives. (http://www.siyanda.org/docs/Sex_and_the_Rights_of_Man-Greig.doc)