The 1970s marked a significant turn in feminist thought as an increasing number of feminists delved into the realms of psychoanalysis and literature to challenge prevailing male-dominated narratives. Notable feminist thinkers such as Mary Jacobs, Jane Gallop, and Juliet Richardson spearheaded this intellectual movement, seeking to reinterpret the traditional theories that had long dictated the understanding of female oppression. Their work highlighted the need for a discourse that transcends the binary opposition typically posed between men and women, advocating instead for a nuanced identity that embraces both separation and connection.

During this era, feminist theorists began to scrutinize the roles assigned to women within repressive sexual and political contexts. They questioned the established norms and sought to dismantle the rigid structures of identity that had confined women to limited roles. An important aspect of this shift was the reimagining of relationships between genders. Feminists of the time proposed relationships that did not rely on the creation of an Oedipal triangle, wherein women historically sought identity through their children. By envisioning a world where each gender could foster non-threatening relationships with the other, they aimed to create a more balanced and equitable social structure.