A Political Reading of Sexual Violence. The Interpretative Model of Rita Laura Segato and The Contribution of Latin American Feminist Thought to The Issue of Gender-Based Violence
A Political Reading of Sexual Violence. The Interpretative Model of Rita Laura Segato and The Contribution of Latin American Feminist Thought to The Issue of Gender-Based Violence

Author(s): Susanna Mantioni
Subject(s): Gender Studies, Studies in violence and power, Victimology
Published by: Transnational Press London
Keywords: Sexual violence; rape; Latin American feminist thought;
Summary/Abstract: This essay examines the interpretative model devised by the Argentine anthropologist Rita Laura Segato, in reference to the phenomenon of sexual violence. It not only highlights the originality of her theses, but also seeks to provide further insights. Starting from Segato’s analysis of rape, a political act that expresses a ‘moralizing’ intent, we will see how feminist political thought is developing an innovative approach to this phenomenon, by contributing to lift the veil of ambiguity that often accompanies debates about sexual violence, both in the public sphere and in courtrooms. In doing so, the essay emphasizes its inextricable link with power, domination, and cultural construction of masculinity in the framework of patriarchal societies.

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