The Sexual Contract (30th Anniversary Edition)
- Mar 18, 2024
- 1 min read
Updated: May 2, 2024
The Sexual Contract: 30th Anniversary Edition by Carole Pateman is a thought-provoking work that continues to resonate three decades after its initial publication. In this seminal book, Pateman challenges the conventional view deeply entrenched in Western thought—the idea that we should conceptualize the state as if it were derived from an original contract. This foundational concept underpins modern contract theory.
However, Pateman argues that we’ve only been given half of the story. While the traditional social contract has been extensively discussed, the sexual contract—which establishes men’s patriarchal authority over women—has been largely overlooked. The problems arising from women’s exclusion from the original contract, yet their incorporation into the subsequent contractual order, remain unaddressed.
The book delves into critical questions about freedom, subordination, and gender relations. Pateman’s insights extend beyond the realm of theoretical discourse, touching on practical aspects such as marriage contracts, employment agreements, welfare arrangements, and environmental compacts. With an updated preface by the author, this edition remains relevant and essential for anyone interested in understanding power dynamics and social contracts.
In summary, The Sexual Contract invites readers to reevaluate the foundations of our societal structures and consider the implications of gendered power imbalances. Pateman’s work continues to provoke thought and challenge prevailing assumptions, making it a must-read for those engaged in political theory and feminist scholarship.
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