Historical Sexual Judgment
Historians have studied how people thought and acted around sex from ancient times to recent decades. As one scholar put it, "What is normal, what is perverted, has always been a matter of social consensus, which can change over time." Different societies had different standards for what was considered proper conduct regarding sex and gender roles. In some cultures, there were no restrictions on who could have sex with whom.
Ancient Greece allowed men to have sex with boys and women to have sex with women if they agreed. But this did not apply to same-sex couples or heterosexual couples that wanted more than occasional liaisons. By contrast, medieval Europe believed that all sex outside marriage was wrong, including masturbation. This view persisted through most of history until the late 20th century.
Modern Sexuality
Modern attitudes towards sexuality are generally less judgmental. People now think that as long as it's safe and consensual, anything goes. That said, modern culture does not always embrace diversity in sexual behavior.
Many people disapprove of promiscuous behavior and consider monogamy preferable. Many also believe certain acts to be deviant, such as fetishes, BDSM, or group sex. The mainstream media often portrays such behaviors as immoral or dangerous. Some laws still criminalize them, although they may be leniently enforced depending on who commits them. Meanwhile, conservatives denounce pornography, prostitution, and other aspects of the sex industry. They argue these things devalue human life and corrupt society.
Conforming vs. Deviating
Sexual norms can serve an important function. They provide a shared understanding of right and wrong, help people relate to one another, and prevent chaos.
When societies adopt rigid standards, people may feel pressured to conform despite their inner desires. They may do things they don't want just to fit in, fearing punishment if caught doing otherwise. In some cases, they might turn to underground communities where people share similar interests without judgement.
This may lead to repressed feelings and hidden anxiety about breaking free from social expectations. On the flip side, extreme deviation can create its own set of problems. People may struggle with feelings of loneliness, rejection, and guilt for engaging in activities that others find unacceptable.
Orderly vs. Anarchic
Society generally seeks moral order because it provides stability and safety. This requires setting boundaries so people know what is expected of them. But too much control may stifle creativity and personal freedom. It also risks creating hypocrisy by allowing certain forms of deviance while prohibiting others. Modern attitudes towards sexuality reflect this balance between order and anarchy. Many now accept same-sex relationships, transgender identities, and non-binary gender roles. Yet many still view deviant acts as immoral or dangerous. The result is a complex landscape where people must navigate conflicting views and personal beliefs to determine how they express themselves sexually.
Does historical judgment of sexuality reveal modern anxieties about difference, conformity, and moral order?
Historical judgments about sexuality have often been used as a way for society to understand its changing views on gender roles and relationships. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on exploring these issues within the context of feminism, queer theory, and other academic disciplines. This shift reflects a growing awareness that sexuality is not fixed but rather evolving over time and can be understood through various lenses, including cultural and political ones.