The Problems of “Power” in Historical Sociology of Discourse

Abstract

Do we need the concept of “power” in doing historical sociology of discourse? Three years ago, I described the formation and transformation of discursive space of sexuality, especially masturbation, in modern Japan. While some have analyzed this using the concept of “discursive power” toward children and women, I argue here that such explainations are inadequte by analyzing the transformation of discourse on female masturbation and virginity.