One of the differences between marriage and prostitution is that in marriage you only have to make a deal with one man

One of the differences between marriage and prostitution is that in marriage you only have to make a deal with one man

Andrea Dworkin was a prominent feminist and writer known for her radical views on gender, sexuality, and power dynamics in society. One of her most famous quotes is, "One of the differences between marriage and prostitution is that in marriage you only have to make a deal with one man." This statement encapsulates Dworkin's critique of the institution of marriage and its parallels to prostitution.

Dworkin believed that both marriage and prostitution were forms of patriarchal control over women's bodies and sexuality. In her view, marriage was a legal and social contract that often reduced women to the status of property, with their worth determined by their ability to fulfill traditional gender roles and satisfy their husbands' desires. Similarly, prostitution was seen as a form of commodification and exploitation of women's bodies, where they were bought and sold for sexual gratification.

The comparison between marriage and prostitution highlights the ways in which women's autonomy and agency are constrained within both institutions. In marriage, women are expected to be obedient and subservient to their husbands, while in prostitution, they are objectified and dehumanized for the pleasure of men. Dworkin argued that both systems perpetuate the subordination of women and reinforce gender inequality in society.

Furthermore, Dworkin's statement challenges the notion of marriage as a sacred and romantic union between two equals. Instead, she exposes the power dynamics at play within marriage, where women are often expected to sacrifice their own desires and ambitions for the sake of their husbands. By framing marriage as a transactional relationship, Dworkin calls attention to the unequal distribution of power and resources between men and women in traditional heterosexual partnerships.

Overall, Dworkin's critique of marriage and prostitution sheds light on the ways in which women's bodies and sexuality are policed and controlled within patriarchal societies. Her radical perspective challenges us to rethink the meaning and purpose of marriage, and to strive for more equitable and empowering relationships between individuals of all genders.