Sep 15, 20234 min read

"The Right to Sex" Amia Srinivasan

Updated: Sep 22, 2023

Recommend book : Exploring "The Right to Sex" through a Feminist Lens: Amia Srinivasan's Provocative Perspective

Amia Srinivasan's groundbreaking book, "The Right to Sex: Feminism in the Twenty-First Century," offers a thought-provoking feminist perspective on the complex terrain of sexual rights[1]. With a deep understanding of intersectionality and a nuanced examination of power dynamics, Srinivasan challenges traditional feminist discourse and sheds light on the intricacies of desire, consent, and social justice. In this post, we will dive into the key themes and arguments presented by Srinivasan to elucidate the feminist lens through which she explores "The Right to Sex."

Dissecting Power and Consent:

Srinivasan delves into the intricate relationship between power and consent, challenging the prevalent assumption that consent alone guarantees ethical sexual encounters[1]. Drawing from feminist theories, she analyzes how power imbalances intertwined with gender, race, and social structures can influence the dynamics of consent. By foregrounding the importance of affirmative and enthusiastic consent, Srinivasan emphasizes the need for a nuanced understanding of power dynamics to ensure genuine agency and equality in sexual interactions.

Revisiting Agency and Autonomy:

At the heart of Srinivasan's feminist perspective is a robust exploration of agency and autonomy in sexual relationships[1]. She critiques the simplistic notion that sexual empowerment flows solely from individual choices, highlighting the ways in which societal norms, expectations, and systemic inequalities shape our understanding of sexual agency. Srinivasan emphasizes the necessity of examining the broader social context when considering sexual autonomy and advocates for collective efforts toward dismantling oppressive structures.

Complexities of Desire and Identity:

With an intersectional feminist lens, Srinivasan navigates the complexities of desire, challenging essentialist notions of sexuality[1]. She acknowledges the intersecting factors of race, class, and gender that shape individual experiences, questioning the universalization of sexual experiences within feminist discourse. By acknowledging the diverse and fluid nature of desire, Srinivasan's feminist perspective urges us to confront the limitations of a monolithic understanding of sex and supports the celebration of multiplicity within sexual identities.

The Right to Sexual Justice:

Srinivasan advocates for a broader conception of sexual justice that goes beyond legal frameworks[1]. She asserts that sexual justice encompasses not only the right to engage in consensual and pleasurable sexual experiences but also the dismantling of oppressive systems that perpetuate sexual violence, discrimination, and inequality. By centering marginalized voices and experiences, Srinivasan calls for a collective feminist approach to address and rectify the systemic injustices embedded in our societies.

Conclusion:

Amia Srinivasan's "The Right to Sex" offers a compelling feminist perspective that challenges conventional assumptions about sexuality and dismantles societal norms that hinder true sexual autonomy, consent, and justice. Through the lens of intersectionality, power dynamics, and a nuanced exploration of desire and identity, Srinivasan provokes critical reflection, pushing us to envision a world where sexual liberation and justice are intertwined with gender equality and social transformation[1]. By engaging with her work, readers are encouraged to join the ongoing dialogue about sexual rights and contribute to a future where everyone can experience sexual fulfillment and freedom within an equitable society.

Who is this remarkable woman ?

Amia Srinivasan is a British philosopher known for her work in moral and political philosophy, as well as her contributions to feminist philosophy. Please note that there may have been developments in her life or career since that time.

Early Life and Education: Amia Srinivasan was born on March 14, 1984, in London, United Kingdom. She studied philosophy, politics, and economics (PPE) at the University of Oxford, where she earned her undergraduate degree. She later pursued graduate studies in philosophy at Harvard University, where she completed her Ph.D. Her doctoral research focused on issues related to the philosophy of language and epistemology.

Academic Career: Amia Srinivasan has held academic positions at various prestigious institutions. She has taught philosophy at the University of Oxford and later became a Professor of Philosophy at the University of London, where she was a Fellow of All Souls College.

Contributions to Philosophy: Srinivasan is known for her work on topics such as moral and political philosophy, epistemology, feminism, and the philosophy of language. Her writings often engage with questions of social justice, ethics, and the intersection of philosophy and politics.

One of her notable works is the essay "Does Anyone Have the Right to Sex?" published in the London Review of Books in 2018. In this essay, she explores the ethical dimensions of sexual desire and consent, sparking significant discussions in the field of feminist philosophy.

Recognition: Amia Srinivasan's academic contributions have received recognition and acclaim within the philosophical community. She has been a prominent voice in contemporary philosophy, particularly on issues related to gender, sexuality, and ethics.

Curator Montse Domínguez i Munllonch

Pic by Amia Srinivasan

Sources:

(1) The Right to Sex: Feminism in the Twenty-First Century by Amia Srinivasan

Bibliography

Srinivasan, A. (2021). The Right to Sex: Feminism in the Twenty-First Century. Verso Books.
Ahmed, S. (2017). Living a Feminist Life. Duke University Press.
Crenshaw, K. (1989). Demarginalizing the Intersection of Race and Sex: A Black Feminist Critique of Antidiscrimination Doctrine, Feminist Theory, and Antiracist Politics. University of Chicago Legal Forum, 1989(1), 139-167.
hooks, b. (2004). The Will to Change: Men, Masculinity, and Love. Atria Books.
Lorde, A. (1984). Sister Outsider: Essays and Speeches. Crossing Press.
Matsuda, M. J. (1991). Voices of America: Accent, Antidiscrimination Law, and a Jurisprudence for the Last Reconstruction. The Yale Law Journal, 100(5), 1329-1407.
Mohanty, C. T. (2003). Feminism Without Borders: Decolonizing Theory, Practicing Solidarity. Duke University Press.
Rich, A. (1980). Compulsory Heterosexuality and Lesbian Existence. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 5(4), 631-660.
Spivak, G. C. (1988). Can the Subaltern Speak? In C. Nelson & L. Grossberg (Eds.), Marxism and the Interpretation of Culture (pp. 271-313). University of Illinois Press.
Wollstonecraft, M. (1792). A Vindication of the Rights of Woman. Penguin Classics.

Here are some academic papers :

Butler, J. (1990). Gender Trouble: Feminism and the Subversion of Identity. Routledge.
Cho, S., Crenshaw, K. W., & McCall, L. (2013). Toward a Field of Intersectionality Studies: Theory, Applications, and Praxis. Signs: Journal of Women in Culture and Society, 38(4), 785-810.
MacKinnon, C. A. (1989). Toward a Feminist Theory of the State. Harvard Law Review, 1989(8), 1387-1418.
Murphy, M. (2017). Consent Without Coercion. ABC Religion & Ethics. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/religion/moya-murphy-consent-without-coercion-the-trouble-with-yes-means-/9026606
Puar, J. K. (2017). The Right to Maim: Debility, Capacity, Disability. Duke University Press.
Serano, J. (2007). Whipping Girl: A Transsexual Woman on Sexism and the Scapegoating of Femininity. Seal Press.
Warner, M. (1993). Fear of a Queer Planet: Queer Politics and Social Theory. Social Text, 13(4), 3-17.
West, C., & Zimmerman, D. H. (1987). Doing Gender. Gender & Society, 1(2), 125-151.
Yancy, G. (2017). Black Bodies in White Gazes: The Continuing Significance of Race in America. Rowman & Littlefield.
Young, I. M. (1990). Justice and the Politics of Difference. Princeton University Press.