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Abstract
This research analyses the significance of an invention introduced in Taiwan—the 'findom' (finger condom)—by focusing on heterosexual couples in terms of heteronormativity, gender norms, and power dynamics. The data are obtained from advertising texts and interviews with seven participants who discuss their use of the findom in relationships. The study argues that heteronormative scripts are reinforced when advertisements suggest that the findom will increase erotic pleasure. Heteronormativity is revealed in the interviews, indicating that heterosexual hegemony regulates sexual behaviour and autonomy through gendered roles. Regulatory heterosexuality is dominant, as six of the interviewees used the findom in conventional sexuality. However, the findom enables the subversion of heterosexual regulatory norms and the rearticulation of gender dynamics via unconventional sexual practices. The findings suggest it is possible to consider the findom a challenge to normative heterosexuality and that the materiality of sexuality can be reversed through its use.

This study examines the persistence of real exchange rates for Western Offshoot countries over the post‐Bretton Woods System. The aggregate price levels are decomposed into both tradable and non‐tradable goods prices by three alternative categories. The median level of half‐lives (across methodologies) is 3.27 years for median‐unbiased estimation, but about twice as high for smooth transition autoregressive estimation. The median level of persistence (across categories) using a variety of methodologies ranges from 1.10 years for the consumer price index to 37.17 years for the producer price index. The half‐lives indicate that considerable heterogeneity exists across alternative categories and methodologies.