Women's sexual desire: a feminist critique

J Sex Res. 2006 Aug;43(3):236-44. doi: 10.1080/00224490609552322.

Abstract

This paper offers a critical feminist analysis of the biomedical conceptualization of women's sexual desire. The five major features of the biomedical model of female sexual desire examined and critiqued are: 1) use of the male model as the standard, 2) use of a linear model of sexual response, 3) biological reductionism, 4) depoliticalization, and 5) medicalization of variation. A "New View", an alternative to the biomedical model, is offered for reconceptualizing women's sexual problems. This analysis concludes with recommendations for feminist-based biopsychosocial research.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Attitude to Health
  • Cultural Characteristics
  • Evidence-Based Medicine
  • Female
  • Feminism*
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Libido*
  • Personal Autonomy
  • Research Design / standards
  • Sexual Behavior*
  • Social Change
  • Stereotyping
  • Women's Health*
  • Women's Rights