The word 'collectivism' refers to a form of government in which the state is the central authority and the people are organized into groups called collectives. In this system, individuals are subjugated to their collective identities and are required to prioritize the needs of the group above their own desires and interests. This approach extends to all aspects of life, including sexuality and intimacy.
Collectivist political ideologies view sex as a means to further communal goals rather than individual gratification. They emphasize traditional gender roles, where men are expected to be providers and women are homemakers. These ideas are reinforced through education, media, and social norms, such as arranged marriages or polygamy.
Marriage is seen as a sacred institution that must be respected and upheld. Divorce rates are low, and extramarital relationships are discouraged. People are encouraged to marry within their community, religion, or race to maintain cultural continuity. Sexual expression outside of marriage is viewed as immoral and shameful.
Sexual pleasure is discouraged in favor of procreation. Birth control, abortion, and same-sex relationships are prohibited, and sex is primarily used for reproduction. Women are valued for their ability to bear children, while men are prized for their productivity. Pornography, masturbation, and other forms of self-pleasure are considered sinful and taboo.
Individual erotic desire is suppressed in favor of collective morality. Desire is understood as something that can disrupt social harmony if not properly channeled into socially acceptable outlets. Individuals are urged to repress their personal desires and submit to the demands of their group. Eroticism is seen as a distraction from more important pursuits, like work and family.
In this system, sexual pleasure is subordinated to the needs of the collective. Desire becomes a private matter, hidden away from public view. Intimacy is reserved for married couples who are expected to remain faithful and monogamous. Individuals are taught to conform to traditional gender roles, where women are subservient and men are dominant.
The result is a society where intimate connections are mediated through strict rules and norms. People may feel pressure to suppress their true feelings, leading to emotional distance, resentment, and dishonesty. This approach has been criticized for its lack of individual freedom, its disregard for diversity, and its tendency to lead to oppression and abuse.
It remains a popular political ideology in many parts of the world.
How do collectivist political ideologies regulate desire, subordinating individual erotic expression to communal moral and social imperatives?
Collectivist political ideologies often utilize moral and social imperatives as means of regulating desire within their respective communities. These ideologies emphasize that sexual behavior should not only be governed by an individual's personal desires but also consider the needs and expectations of others within the community. In this way, individuals are discouraged from engaging in behaviors that may harm their relationships with others or compromise the integrity of the group.