What does the historical sociology of sexuality teach about the resilience and rupture of sexual regimes, and how might future queer scholarship map the trajectories of sexual normativity, deviance and desire across emergent technological landscapes?
The historical sociology of sexuality is an interdisciplinary field that examines changes in sexual norms and practices over time, both within specific cultures and across larger social contexts. It draws from various academic disciplines such as anthropology, history, sociology, gender studies, cultural studies, psychology, economics, political science, and medicine to understand how human sexuality has been shaped by social structures, ideologies, institutions, and technologies. This approach recognizes that sexuality is not fixed but rather varies depending on the social, economic, and political contexts in which it exists. The historical sociology of sexuality offers insights into how sexuality is constructed and maintained through discourses, practices, and power dynamics. Through this lens, scholars can analyze how different types of sexualities are produced, reproduced, resisted, transformed, or subverted over time.
One key finding of the historical sociology of sexuality is that sexuality is dynamic and constantly changing. Sexual norms and practices have evolved throughout history, with some becoming more accepted while others become less so.
Homosexuality was criminalized in many parts of the world until recently, but now there is a growing acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities. Similarly, polygamy was once widely practiced in many societies but is no longer legal in most countries today. These changes reflect shifts in social attitudes towards sex and sexuality as well as the development of new technologies and modes of communication.
The historical sociology of sexuality also highlights the ways in which sexual regimes are resilient. Despite changes in sexual norms and practices, certain forms of sexuality persist over long periods of time.
Monogamous marriage remains an institutionalized form of sexuality despite its decline in recent decades.
Heteronormativity continues to be a dominant force in many cultures, despite efforts to challenge it. These findings suggest that sexual regimes are not easily disrupted and often require significant social movements to change them.
The historical sociology of sexuality shows that sexuality is not static but rather exists within complex networks of power relations. Sexuality is always mediated by structures such as gender, race, class, religion, age, and ability. These factors shape how people experience and express their sexuality and can create barriers for marginalized individuals who may face discrimination or exclusion based on their identity. This understanding suggests that sexuality is not just about individual choices but is rooted in larger structural forces.
Future queer scholarship has the potential to map the trajectories of sexual normativity, deviance, and desire across emergent technological landscapes. With the advent of new technologies like AI, VR, and robotics, the boundaries between physical and virtual reality are blurring. As such, new forms of sexual expression are likely to emerge that challenge traditional conceptions of sex and intimacy.
These changes will need to be understood within broader social contexts that include issues of consent, privacy, surveillance, and economic inequality.
The historical sociology of sexuality offers important insights into the resilience and rupture of sexual regimes, while future queer scholarship has the potential to map the trajectories of sexual normativity, deviance, and desire across emergent technological landscapes. By exploring these topics together, we can better understand how human sexuality is shaped by both social and technological factors.