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Oppositional Sexism
[edit]Oppositional sexism is a term coined by transfeminist author, Julia Serano. In her book,Whipping Girl, Serano defined oppositional sexism as "the belief that male and female are rigid, mutually exclusive categories."[1] Oppositional sexism plays a vital role in a number of social norms Viz. cissexism, heteronormativity, and traditional sexism.
Oppositional sexism normalizes masculine expression in males and feminine expression in females while simultaneously demonizing femininity in males and masculinity in females. This concept plays a crucial role in supporting cissexism, the social norm that views cisgender people as both natural and privileged as opposed to transgender people.[2]
The idea of having two, totally opposite genders is tied to sexuality through what gender theorist Judith Butler calls a "compulsory practice of heterosexuality."[2] Because oppositional sexism is tied to heteronormativity in this way, non-heterosexuals are seen as breaking gender norms.[2]
The concept of opposite genders sets a "dangerous precedent", according to Serano, where "if men are big then women must be small; and if men are strong then women must be weak."[1] The gender binary and oppositional norms work together to support "traditional sexism," the belief that femininity is inferior to and serves masculinity.[2]
Serano states that oppositional sexism works in tandem with "traditional sexism." This ensures that "those who are masculine have power over those who are feminine, and that only those that are born male will be seen as authentically masculine."[1]
- ^ a b c Serano, Julia (2007). Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity. Emeryville, CA: Seal Press. ISBN 978-0-786-74791-7.
- ^ a b c d Pedersen, Paul; Lonner, Walter; Draguns, Juris; Trimble, Joseph; Scharrón-del Río, María, eds. (2015). Counseling Across Cultures (7th ed.). United States of America: SAGE Publications. ISBN 9781452217529.