Whose Desire Is It Anyway? Cultural Assumptions Underlying Female Sexual Interest Disorder

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Authors
Grunt-Mejer, Katarzyna
Chańska, Weronika
Date
2018-05
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Abstract
Objective: We will demonstrate that the construct of lowered libido as a separate medical entity (i.e. not as a symptom for other biological or psychological problems) refers to Western cultural relational ideals, supporting monogamy in a long relationship, expectance of sexual gratification from a partner and a a long-held high level of sexual interest – and despite its well-intended objective, it may entail negative consequences in regards to women’s sexual well-being. Design and method: The discussion on the female sexual interest disorder between DSM workgroups and its commentators will be analyzed against the background of research on female sexuality. The normative analysis of values hidden in the discussion will be presented. Results: There is a certain incompatibility of the normative assumptions and real predispositions or sexual needs of women. It results in an unnecessary sense of sexual inadequacy in many healthy women. The assumption of quite stable high level of sexual interest can be seen as male-centric (supported by dramatically different indicators of low-desire diagnosis in women vs men). With different economic and social dependence in relationship, it encourages more women than men to adapt to a relational ideal. Conclusions: The existence of a separate medical entity of lowered sexual interest in medical classification supports the sexual ideal, according to which the woman adapts to the needs and expectations of the partner.
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Keywords
HSDD    desire    sex therapy
Citation
Grunt-Mejer, K., Chańska, W. (2018). Whose Desire Is It Anyway? Cultural Assumptions Underlying Female Sexual Interest Disorder. 14th European Federation of Sexology Congress, Albufeira, Portugalia, 9-12.05.2018
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https://depot.ceon.pl/handle/123456789/23097
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Materiały konferencyjne / Conference papers