Feederism as coercive control: connecting the dots between sexuality and law

Abstract

This article analyses feederism as performed within the context of feeder-feedee relationships. In particular, it seeks to analyse feederism as a form of intimate partner violence using Stark’s theory of coercive control. To conceptualise feederism as a form of intimate partner violence, however, certain legal thresholds and requirements must be met. Concepts of consent and harm pose difficulties in assessing whether feederism rightly qualifies as a form of coercive control. By examining issues of surveillance, degradation, shaming and control, this analysis shows how weight surveillance within a relationship can pose a threat to bodily integrity and bodily autonomy. A series of legal observations assist in outlining research gaps as well as opportunities for further research on feederism in general, and as a form of intimate partner violence, in particular.

Keywords:

• Feederism
• coercive control
• consent
• harmful practices
• sexual behaviour

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).