In Laquer's reading, we discover that until the 18th century, men and women's bodies were considered to be identical. Medical anatomy books used to draw the genitals on the outside of men's bodies, and on the inside for women's bodies. During this time period, it was considered essential for men and women to orgasm in order to reproduce. The mutual orgasms caused a "heat" to produce that would allow for the exchange of bodily fluids, thus resulting in fertilization.
However, by the 19th century, a new social order began, where the woman did not need to experience an orgasm in order to reproduce. Thus, as long as one person [the man] was able to achieve the orgasm, conception was valid. This de-emphasis of sex took the little power that women had and made men in charge of reproduction. Just like in the marxist society, where women were laborers, it gave them a function in reproduction, one that did not maintain power.
During discussion we discussed the fact that by women withholding sex from men, was the only was to maintain power in a relationship, it is evident that it may be true. However, media in our society is much too focused on pre-marital sex, which is solely done for pleasure. Thus, by allowing women to orgasm [or fake orgasm] we are trying to give the power back to her.
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