Van Anders: The heteronormativity theory of low sexual desire in women partnered with men

Question 1

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Answer 1

low sexual desire in women partnered with men is not an individual pathology or purely biological dysfunction, but the result of societal and structural gender inequities.

rigid social expectations, particularly those that define relationships and sexuality through a binary, complementary gender lens, contribute to diminished sexual desire in women.

Question 2

four elements of heteronormativity contributing to low desire

Answer 2

1. inequitable gendered divisions of labor: unequal ousehold or caregiving labor (chores) increases psychological distress, frustration, and diminishes time and energy for sexual intimacy. women often perform chore-like aspects of childcare whilst men take on recreational tasks.
2. the mother-caregiver role: heteronormativity casts women into caregiver roles, often resembling a mothering position towards their partner which reduces sexual attraction. the lack of mutual caregiving in these relationships distrupts the balance of interdependence, therefore transforming the partner relationship into a mother child dynamic.
3. objectification and appearance: societal focus on womens appearance and objectification leads to focus being on unrealistic beauty standards rather than their own pleasure. this can inhibit desire and create cognitive distractions during sex.
4. gender norms surrounding sexual initiation: traditional gender norms discourage women from initiating sex, plasing the responsibility on men. this can reduce womens own sexual agency and interest.

Question 3

physiological mechanisms of the impact of heteronormativity

Answer 3

1. stress and cortisol: chronic stress from inequitable labor and caregiver roles can lead to elevated cortisol levels, which may blunt acute stress responses necessary for sexual arousal and desire.
2. nurturing activities decrease testosterone according to the Steroid/Peptide theory of social bonds. this may cause the dampening of sexual desire for their male partners, as womens role shift toward caregiving rather than erotic partnership.

Question 4

Essentialist view of sexuality:

Answer 4

sexual desire is considered innate and universal to human biology; essential to “normal” functioning; this has neoliberal implications as it has high financial stakes for pharmaceutical treatments of desire problems

Question 5

sexual desire can be separated into:

Answer 5

• dyadic activity (with partner)
• solitary activity (solo)

Question 6

Asexual and demisexual people have shown that a high level of sexual desire is not necessary for normal functioning and is simply part of human diversity

Answer 6

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