Regime Narratives of Purity and Corruption
The concept of purity is often invoked in political discourse around the world, but it has particular resonance in certain contexts where it serves to police sexual behavior and impose rigid gender roles. In countries such as Iran, Saudi Arabia, and Afghanistan, for example, regimes have long used narratives of purity to justify their control over women's bodies and restrict their freedoms. These regimes view women as inherently corruptible, easily swayed by temptation, and in need of male guardianship to protect them from themselves. They frame women's desire and sexuality as dangerous and unnatural, while promoting men as natural guardians of public morality. This framing has led to laws that criminalize extramarital sex, punish "immodest" dress, and encourage marriages between young children, all under the guise of preserving family honor and upholding moral standards.
Suppressing Nonconforming Identities
These regimes also use narratives of purity to suppress nonconforming identities, particularly those associated with LGBTQ+ people. Sexual minorities are often portrayed as deviant and unnatural, and their desires are pathologized as a sign of sickness or perversion. Homosexuality is considered sinful, and same-sex relationships are criminalized in many countries. Transgender individuals face widespread discrimination and violence, and are often forced into conforming to gender norms imposed on them at birth. Regime leaders claim to be defending traditional values and cultural norms when they crack down on these communities, but in reality, they are simply using sexuality as a tool to consolidate power and maintain social order.
Limiting Erotic Agency
The regime's focus on purity and corruption has had a devastating effect on women's erotic agency, limiting their ability to express their own sexuality and engage in consensual sexual activity. In some cases, women have been killed for adultery or accused of being 'temptresses,' while men who violate these rules can face public shaming or even execution. This has led to a culture of fear and silence around sexuality, where women feel unable to speak openly about their desires and needs. It has also reinforced rigid gender roles, with men seen as providers and protectors, and women as homemakers and childbearers. This has limited the opportunities available to both men and women, preventing them from exploring their full potential and contributing fully to society.
Acknowledgements
I am grateful to Dr. Zoe Dutton for her guidance in developing this article. I would also like to thank my friends and family for their support throughout this process.
How do regimes use narratives of purity and corruption to discipline erotic agency and suppress nonconforming identities?
Regimes can use narratives of purity and corruption as tools to impose disciplinary measures on sexual behavior by labeling some acts as deviant while enforcing normative expectations for others. This creates an environment where individuals may be shamed or punished if they violate these boundaries, leading them to internalize those messages about what is acceptable or unacceptable behavior. The narratives also reinforce traditional gender roles and power dynamics, which further limit individuals' choices regarding their sexual expression.