Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2015
Publication Title
Women’s Studies in Communication
First Page
141
Last Page
145
DOI
http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/07491409.2015.1027088
Abstract
Proponents of sexual liberation and abstinence-until-marriage advocates appear to be on opposing ends of the sociopolitical spectrum; however, both are invested in the regulation of women’s vaginas. We argue that the rhetoric of both communities produces the same disciplinary configuration for the control of women’s bodies. Both communities instruct women that the appearance of a prepubescent and pure vagina is essential to sexual appeal and self-care. Whether sex positive or sex negative, both communities articulate a model of sexual health that negates women’s status as active, desiring subjects. Ultimately, we argue that public scrutiny of women’s vaginas implicitly and overtly functions to police women’s sexual agency.
Rights
This article was archived with permission from The Organization for Research on Women and Communication, all rights reserved. Document also available from Women's Studies in Communication.
Recommended Citation
Kelly, Casey R. and Hoerl, Kristen, "Shaved or Saved? Disciplining Women’s Bodies" (2015). Scholarship and Professional Work - Communication. 87.
https://digitalcommons.butler.edu/ccom_papers/87
Included in
Critical and Cultural Studies Commons, Gender, Race, Sexuality, and Ethnicity in Communication Commons, Speech and Rhetorical Studies Commons
