The pervasiveness of heterosexuality in contemporary relationships: Implications for domestic democracy

Abstract

Synopsis This paper makes an empirical contribution to theories and explanations relating to heterosexuality and gendered power relations. It emerges from a study which considered how second wave feminism and the introduction of social policies have made a difference to women's lives. The paper draws upon the data from the interviews of the earlier study to focus on women's understandings and experiences of gender (in)equality viewed through the lens of pseudo mutuality, a psychological concept adapted here to consider gendered power relations. In so doing, the paper challenges the explanations given by the women in the study which suggest that their relationships are not unequal . Findings dispel assumptions of a uni-directional relationship between social change and personal life; (masculine) heterosexuality has been much harder to disrupt in women's private lives, within their intimate heterosexual relationships.