Fragmented Components

Perhaps it is inevitable, given this biological framework, that univer­salized physical subsystems would become significant in themselves. Espe­cially in the clinical literature on causes and treatments of sexual dysfunc­tions, sexuality becomes the successful performance of fragments in two different ways. First, there is the definition that having adequate perfor­mance components of desire, arousal, and orgasm is necessary for normal sexuality, and given an appropriate partner (these are defined in the section on sexual disorders in DSM-IV), performing these components is sufficient for normal sexual functioning.

Second, certain bodily fragments (i. e., parts of the genitalia) are spe­cifically mentioned in the sexual dysfunction section of the DSM-IV— penile erection, vaginal lubrication, and so on. Proper function of these bodily components within the performance sequence qualify a person for adequate sexual function, given the appropriate choice of object or partner. Defining sexuality in this way omits whole-body, sensual, or subjective vi­sions for sexual normalcy, which, as I suggest below, may work against women’s interests.

Updated: 05.11.2015 — 21:04