TOK Journal Assignment. When British psychologist Catherine Hakim argued for the power of erotic capital in her new book titled Honey Money: The Power of Erotic Capital, the world was abuzz with controversy.
Vanessa Koh
TOK- Natalie
When British psychologist Catherine Hakim argued for the power of erotic capital in her new book titled Honey Money: The Power of Erotic Capital, the world was abuzz with controversy. Some may argue that in an age, especially in the West, where the sexuality of women is less of a taboo subject than before, Hakim’s assertion of using one’s erotic capital to gain an advantage is only a natural and most importantly, logical progression. However, looking beyond the glamour of power and success that erotic capital can bring, one must ponder upon the implications of capitalizing on one’s sexuality to achieve a goal. To what extent can we justify the use of erotic capital? From an inductively reasoned approach, a social scientist might argue that if erotic capital will get you ahead in your job, there is no reason not to go for it. After all, there seems to be some evidence that the people on top of the social ladder are the ones who capitalized on their looks to get there. Ms. Hakim rattles off a list of good-looking and well-dressed people who are powerful, such as IMF Chief Christine Lagarde, the Obamas, etc., to prove her point. It is unfortunately undeniable that in an image-conscious age, the good-looking people earn more than the ‘ugly’ ones. But do we really need erotic capital to succeed in life? Are we not fostering an unhealthy perception for future generations? Furthermore, by engaging in erotic capital to gain an advantage, are we thereby not encouraging men and women alike to use their sexuality in any way possible? While reason could perhaps justify the use of erotic capital, a more emotional perspective tells me otherwise. As a teenager who grew up in what one could argue as a more conservative Christian household with Malaysian-Chinese parents, the idea of cheapening one’s sexuality to a tool is one that does not sit well with me. The bible explicitly outlines the need for sexual modesty and the concept of utilizing one’s erotic capital would be deemed a sin. Catherine Hakim has made an ambiguous claim that erotic capital has real benefits. But should we not consider the opposite end of the spectrum? By asserting the good that our sexuality can bring, it is highly possible that future generations may assume that erotic capital will be the quick and easy path to success. There is also an ambiguity that lies within Hakim’s claim. How does one decide how far erotic capital should go? One could assert that it is acceptable to go on a diet to fit into a sleek blazer, but would a nose job cross a line? There is no clear definition as to how much sexual capital one should engage in; perhaps we ought to reflect on whether the use of erotic capital creates more problems than it does benefits.
