‘Something that stretches during sex’

replacing the word 'hymen' with 'vaginal corona' to challenge patriarchal views on virginity

Authors

  • Karin Milles Södertörn University
  • Jessica Holmdahl Södertörn University
  • Ida Melander Södertörn University
  • Kerstin Fugl-Meyer Karolinska Institutet

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.31894

Keywords:

feminist language activism, hymen, vaginal corona, patriarchy, sexual rights

Abstract

Although there is no scientific proof of a breakable membrane in the vagina, virginity controls are causing great suffering to women worldwide, and hymen (re) constructions are carried out in many countries. The hymen is called mödomshinna 'virginity membrane' in Swedish, which can reinforce the idea of a breakable membrane. In their work against female sexual oppression the Swedish Association for Sexuality Education launched a new term, vaginal corona. The aim of our study is to evaluate this initiative. By conducting a survey directed at youths and health professionals at youth clinics in Stockholm, we were able to show that knowledge of the new word had spread and that changes in the oppressive cultural beliefs connected to virginity and female sexuality in part can be connected to the word. The study thus supports the claim that initiatives aimed at changing vocabulary can be effective in changing cultural concepts. Feminist language activism initiatives are thus usable as part of feminist political work to promote women’s sexual rights and gender equality.

Author Biographies

  • Karin Milles, Södertörn University

    Karin Milles is a senior lecturer at the Department of Culture and Learning at Södertörn University (tenure), Sweden. She was born in 1969 and finished her PhD at Stockholm University, Sweden in 2003. In her research, her main focus is gender, language and language planning.

  • Jessica Holmdahl, Södertörn University

    Jessica Holmdahl is a teacher at the Department of Culture and Learning at Södertörn University, Sweden. She was born in 1988 and finished her degree of Master of Arts in Swedish at Södertörn University, Sweden, in 2016.

  • Ida Melander, Södertörn University

    Ida Melander is a doctoral student in Swedish language at the School of Humanities, Education and Social Sciences at Örebro University. She was born in 1991 and her dissertation project deals with knowledge construction and contemporary discussions about health and illness, exemplified through the chronic disease endometriosis.

  • Kerstin Fugl-Meyer, Karolinska Institutet

    Kerstin Fugl-Meyer is professor in social work, field of clinical sexology, at Karolinska Institutet, Sweden. She was born in 1953 and finished her PhD at Umeå University, Sweden in 1982. Her research areas have mainly focused clinical sexology, life satisfaction and rehabilitation.

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Published

2018-10-22

Issue

Section

Articles

How to Cite

Milles, K., Holmdahl, J., Melander, I., & Fugl-Meyer, K. (2018). ‘Something that stretches during sex’: replacing the word ’hymen’ with ’vaginal corona’ to challenge patriarchal views on virginity. Gender and Language, 12(3), 294-317. https://doi.org/10.1558/genl.31894

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