Freedom Quote by Sheila Jeffreys
““Men's sexual freedom has depended, and still does to a large extent, upon their ownership of women's bodies. Men have bought, sold and traded women as things to be used. Women are still regularly raped in marriage, even though most Western countries have now changed their laws to recognize that wives have a right not to be raped. Women are still bought and sold in marriage in many countries, and in the vast majority of countries of the world their bodies are still legally owned by their husbands. In prostitution and pornography, the mail-order bride business and reproductive surrogacy, the international trade in women is a burgeoning industry. Men's ownership of women's bodies has been the substrate on which their idea of sexual freedom was born and given its meaning. This is why it includes the right to buy access to women, men, and children as an important way of demonstrating that freedom. At the base of men's sexual freedom agenda is the concept of the rights of the male individual. Pateman points out that women cannot gain recognition as individuals, since the very concept of the 'individual' is male.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Sexual Politics of the Body, Sheila Jeffreys, 1999
The quote argues that men's sexual liberty is built on treating women as property, which persists in many legal and cultural practices worldwide.
In simple terms: Men’s freedom depends on owning women’s bodies.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and challenge ownership of women.
Themes
gender inequality
sexual autonomy
human rights
legal oppression
Mood
critical
urgent
Type
political
analytical
When to use this quote
- marriage law reform
- human trafficking prevention
- sex education
- policy advocacy
Key Concepts
patriarchal ownership
bodily autonomy
intersectionality
Questions to Reflect On
- How does property language shape gender power?
- What steps can dismantle ownership mindsets?
A Different Perspective
Legal reforms often lag behind cultural change, limiting impact.
