For second wave feminists, the female body is the source of women s oppression and the locus of female power. Women s biological functions signify vulnerability in patriarchy and are subject to domination and control. Information about women s bodies is widely withheld. Women are lacking in bodily, self and sexual determination because the capabilities of their own bodies are hidden in taboo. Affirming the differences between men and women by viewing female sexuality, menstruation, pregnancy, lactation and menopause as powerful allows the reclaiming of the body.
Women occupy a position exempt from power.
They exist in the private spheres, where by patriarchal definition, culture is not produced. Women, as a destructive force in patriarchy, have had their powers taken away from them. Power to have agency, self-definition, sexual choices, opinions, thoughts, access to knowledge, and understanding of their own bodies. Second Wave feminists are concerned with reclaiming the body for woman s empowerment. Although these theories are primarily male oriented, they provide a basis for corporeal feminism.