ABSTRACT

Problems abound with these theoretical exercises because historical developments and cultural contexts are omitted. The underlying gender theory is unconvincing while masculinity and femininity are stereotyped and dichotomized. Identification in these theories goes along male or female lines, rarely is the possibility raised of disidentification in terms of unmasculine or unfeminine, of overdetermination, or absence of identification. The focus on the origin of masochistic preferences has bridled research on adult practices and fantasies and social expressions.