Balance of power Quote by Margaret Atwood
““I said she didn’t have that problem herself anymore, since she’d decided to prefer women, and as far as I could see she had no scruples about stealing them or borrowing them when she felt like it. She said it was different, because the balance of power was equal between women so sex was an even-steven transaction. I said “even steven” was a sexist phrase, if she was going to be like that, and anyway that argument was outdated. She said I had trivialized the issue and if I thought it was outdated I was living with my head in the sand.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Alias Grace by Margaret Atwood, 1996
Power dynamics can shift when participants view relationships as transactions, but language and attitudes may still perpetuate sexism.
In simple terms: Viewing sex as a transaction can hide underlying sexism.
Key Takeaway
Question assumptions about power and language.
Themes
gender
power
language
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
analytical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- relationships
- sexual encounters
- gender discussions
Key Concepts
feminist critique
sexual politics
Questions to Reflect On
- Does framing sex as equal truly erase power imbalances?
- How does language shape perception of consent?
A Different Perspective
The term “even‑steven” may still carry bias despite intent.
