ABSTRACT
A feminist analysis of the patriarchal bias in sexology could do worse than begin with one of the fundamental elements of the new sex therapy: "sensate focus." The quotes from people for who emotional and not sensory focus are the centerpiece of sexual experience; it is no surprise that the quotes are from women. Shere Hite's entire volume is dedicated to a "redefinition" of sexual relations wherein routine scripts of foreplay-to-intercourse-to-orgasm would be replaced or at least enhanced by more spontaneity, variety, verbal communication, fun, and tenderness. Such a redefinition requires appreciating the deep gender differences in sexual socialization in our society and rejecting the notion that sex-as-usual represents the interests of all men and women. Therapists' commitment to a sensate view of sexuality not only represents a choice about what sort of sexual experience is "real" or "best" but also assumes that all partners are already sensually adept or would be able to learn how to focus on sensation.
