Collectivist political systems have often been associated with strict moral codes that seek to shape individual behavior in line with societal norms. This includes the expectation that individuals should conform to certain social roles, such as those of wife, husband, mother, or father, and that their desires and actions should be aligned with these prescribed roles. In some cases, this can lead to a phenomenon known as "ideology incest", whereby people are encouraged to engage in romantic or sexual relationships within their own group or community rather than outside it. This can create an atmosphere of exclusivity and exclusion, which may make it difficult for individuals to express their true desires and longings.
One example of collectivist ideologies shaping desire is the Confucian tradition in China, where the family unit was seen as the fundamental unit of society. Marriage was viewed as a way of maintaining harmony within the family and ensuring the continuity of cultural values. As a result, arranged marriages were common, and extramarital affairs were strongly discouraged. This led to a culture of sexual repression, where men and women could only express their desires within marriage and within prescribed boundaries.
In Communist countries during the Cold War era, similar constraints were placed on personal expression. The state sought to control all aspects of life, including sex and love. Sexual relationships were considered private matters, but they had to adhere to the expectations of the party. In the Soviet Union, for example, couples were expected to marry early and have children, and divorce was highly stigmatized. Individuals who deviated from these norms risked punishment or even imprisonment.
More recently, we have seen examples of collectivist political systems seeking to shape desire through technological means. In North Korea, for instance, mobile phones are strictly regulated, and citizens are limited in what content they can access. This has created a climate of fear and secrecy around sexuality, with many people feeling that they cannot express their desires openly without risking censorship or retribution.
The effects of these political systems on desire can be far-reaching, affecting not just individuals' sexual behavior but also their sense of self and identity. When desires are constrained by ideology, it can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, and alienation. It can also create an atmosphere of distrust, where individuals feel that their true selves must remain hidden behind a facade of conformity.
There is evidence that some individuals may resist these constraints and find ways to express their desires in spite of them.
Research into Chinese "secret lovers" suggests that people may engage in illicit relationships as a way of exploring their own identities and rebellion against societal norms. Similarly, studies of gay men in Russia have found that they often turn to online dating platforms to seek out partners despite anti-gay laws and cultural attitudes.
Collectivist political systems can reshape desire by imposing strict moral codes that require individuals to align their personal longings with ideological expectations. This can lead to a culture of exclusivity and exclusion, where only certain types of relationships and desires are acceptable.
Individuals may still find ways to resist these constraints and express themselves in spite of the pressures placed upon them.
How do collectivist political systems reshape desire to align personal longing with ideological expectations?
Collectivist political systems are often characterized by their emphasis on conformity and social harmony. This means that individual desires may be subordinated to those of the group as a whole, and individuals may feel pressure to conform to certain behaviors and attitudes that are considered appropriate within the system.