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MODERN GENDER ROLES In part I, the author argues that feminists must begin to focus on the external forces that construct gender. S/he believes the traditional approach to enforcing gender is the argument that gender is "natural" rather than something created or constructed externally. Therefore, postmodern feminists "concentrate on the external forces, such as law, that construct gender rather than treating gender as if it were the truth about men or women" (1974). Further, the author asserts that postmodern feminists contend these constructs "do not overtly speak in this voice, but rather covertly." Therefore, postmodern feminists assert that laws, through covert action, "reinforce compulsory heterosexuality" as the norm. In part II (which the author refers to as the "theoretical framework for postmodern accounts of gender) the author posits that Gays and Lesbians "play a crucial role" and provide insights into gender and sexuality. S/he states this is because of the appropriation and variation of gender and gender roles within the Gay and Lesbian community for "erotic effect;" thus, gender seems to be "performative" rather than natural. Part III of this article examines specifically how law compels conformity and adherence