A Historical Perspective of sexuality
Exploring sexuality across different epochs, from Ancient Greece until today, provides insight into how societal attitudes and norms have evolved over time.
The Latin word "sexus" (which means male or female) is where the word "sexuality" originated. "Sexus" is derived from the Latin verb "secare," which means "to divide" or "to separate." The term "sexuality" was first used in English in the late 19th century.
One fundamental component of humanity and our primary motivation, sexuality has many different aspects. Sexual activity involves a multitude of psychological, emotional, social, cultural, and biological elements that extend well beyond its physical aspects. This subject fascinates me, and I chose it because of its complexity, the need to consider nuances, and maybe to address the lack of reliable information that is currently available. My desire for research and rethinking of different ideas has motivated me to explore this topic.
With this article, I hope to tell a brief tale of how our society has evolved and how, in line with the times we live in, sexuality also evolves with us, acting as a mirror reflecting both our internal and external environments.
1. Sexuality in Ancient Greece
Greek culture and daily life showed a more diverse and complex spectrum toward sexuality than many of our modern societies.
One prominent feature of Greek sexuality was the practice of pederasty, which is an older male (erastes) developing a romantic or mentoring relationship with a younger male (eromenos).
This relationship was founded on more than just sexual desire—it also included mentoring and education. Even though pederasty was a common social structure, marriage and procreation were highly regarded in classical Greece. The main goal of marriage was to ensure the continuation of family lines by bearing legal heirs.
Rather than romantic love, procreation was frequently the main focus. Unlike modern Western societies, the Greeks did not strictly classify people into heterosexual or homosexual identities. The roles that people played in sexual relationships were the main focus. It was not unusual to have sex with both men and women, and the act of having sex was valued more than the partner's gender.
Greek eroticism and the human form were praised in literature and art. Sexual themes were widely portrayed in sculptures, ceramics, and literary works without the social taboos that were often attached to them in later cultures. Erotic art was not seen as something to be hidden, but as a means of appreciating beauty.
Greek mythology is filled with tales of diverse sexual relationships between mortals, gods, and goddesses. The gods set the standard for a more ambiguous understanding of sexuality by frequently being portrayed as being in both heterosexual and homosexual relationships. In ancient Greece, prostitution was an accepted and controlled institution. Hetairai, or female prostitutes, could hold a special position and occasionally partake in social and intellectual pursuits outside of their work.
One's citizenship and social class had an impact on how they expressed their sexuality. Compared to non-citizens or slaves, citizens, particularly men, enjoyed greater freedom in their sexual activities. The emphasis on citizenship also permeated the pederasty practice, where it was frequently connected to mentoring and education.
It's necessary to keep in mind that these expectations and standards differed amongst the various Greek city-states, and that the information we have about them comes from a variety of sources, including historical writings, artwork, and archaeological discoveries. Although some aspects of Greek sexuality may seem unusual by modern standards, they provide insight into a society where sexual boundaries were less clearly defined and more flexible than in many modern societies.
Spartan women were known in ancient Greece for having to possess more freedom than other women in the Greek world.
Outside of Sparta, Spartan women were known for their promiscuity and control over their husbands. Spartan women could legally own and inherit property, and they were generally more educated than their Athenian counterparts.
"Why are you Spartan women the only ones who can rule men?"
"Because we are also the only ones who give birth to men."Gorgo, Queen of Sparta and wife of Leonidas, as quoted by Plutarch
2. The impact of the Roman Empire on sexuality
With the fall of ancient Greece, the Roman Empire had a profound influence on the development of cultural norms, including views on sexuality. Both classical Roman values and Greek philosophy had an impact on Roman perspectives on sexuality. Roman society was patriarchal, with a large emphasis on men in positions of authority.
Sexual norms and family structures were greatly influenced by the idea of the "paterfamilias," or male head of the household. Even after the Roman Empire fell, its influence on societal perceptions of sexuality persisted for a very long time.
Certain aspects of Roman attitudes toward sexuality continued to shape societal norms in the centuries that followed, although the immediate post-Roman period saw changes in political structures and the rise of different cultures.
They were more rigid about general sexuality while they acknowledged homosexuality and explored erotic, sexual themes in literature and art. This behavior had a long-lasting impact on the centuries that followed.
People could legally become prostitutes and get married or divorced. Nonetheless, during this period there was a shift towards a greater religious influence, with some rituals and ceremonies emphasizing family and fertility over fluid, free sexuality.
3. Medieval Period and Post-Roman Period
The development of Christianity in Europe had a significant impact on moral and sexual norms. Christianity spread its moral teachings, which shaped attitudes toward relationships and sex, and it eventually became the most popular religion. Christian doctrine frequently placed a strong emphasis on monogamy, chastity, and having children within the framework of marriage.
Strictness was a common feature of medieval sexuality, especially when it came to following Catholic Church-imposed social norms and religious teachings. The Church was a major force in the development of moral and ethical standards pertaining to sexuality, and the wider medieval society was impacted by its teachings.
Particularly in the context of religious life, the values of chastity and celibacy were extremely important. In order to uphold their vow of chastity and commitment to their religious obligations, priests and monks were expected to remain celibate. Marriage was encouraged, but fidelity to one's spouse was strictly enforced. Extramarital relationships were frowned upon in general, and adultery could have serious legal and social repercussions. Premarital sex, homosexuality, and other non-normative sexual behaviors were frequently stigmatized.
The Church disapproved of heterosexual, monogamous relationships, seeing them as against the laws of nature and the divine order. Prostitution did exist, as it always has and always will, but attempts were made to control or regulate it. The Church occasionally set aside particular areas for prostitution in an effort to alleviate its negative effects on society's moral fabric.
Unfortunately, the majority of literature and art served as moral guidance channels and tools to stifle the human spirit rather than educating, liberating, and promoting beauty and human expression. Literary and artistic creations frequently illustrated the consequences of immoral behavior, reinforced sexual norms in society, and imparted moral lessons.
Although it wasn't always a representation of real-life relationships, the idea of courtly love helped to idealize love in society by emphasizing its platonic qualities, purity, and devotion. It established an example for honorable partnerships that shaped cultural norms. Moral and religious considerations were frequently incorporated into medieval medical texts. Moral responsibility was brought up in discussions about sexual health and reproduction, which served to further emphasize the idea that moral values should govern sexual behavior.
From my own perspective, looking back on this century, I believe that the medieval era signaled the beginning of a collective trauma whose aftereffects are still being felt today. Even though the church may have helped people pursue higher goals and provide moral guidance, a closer look at its restrictive effects reveals the serious harm done in the name of religion. Clear examples include all the wars waged in the name of a single doctrine, the lost works of literature, art, and medical research, as well as censorship. It is a potent example of how oppression is incompatible with the human spirit and how humanity has always managed to free itself despite all obstacles.
4. The Age of Enlightenment and Renaissance (14th–17th Century)
During the Renaissance and Enlightenment periods, there was a renewed interest in classical Greek and Roman ideals, as well as an increased appreciation for humanism. The gradual shift away from religious influences and toward human-centered perspectives on sexuality occurred, as did the separation of church and state.
Renaissance art often depicted the human form as sensual and beautiful. Michelangelo and Botticelli's works explored the aesthetics of the human body. A focus on reason, rationalism, and scientific study marked the period known as the Enlightenment. The focus on reason permeated discussions of relationships, sexuality, and human nature as well.
Enlightenment writers debated the role of knowledge in everyday life. Some challenged traditional beliefs about morality and relationships, while others looked into the concept of sexual freedom.
Human rights and personal freedoms gained prominence, while religiously based sex opinions faded. The concept of personal freedoms and rights included the freedom to express one's sexual orientation without being subjected to coercion. Although the Enlightenment did not immediately alter society's attitudes toward sexuality, it did play an important role in laying the conceptual groundwork for subsequent changes. The concepts developed during this time period had a significant impact, gradually changing society's perceptions of relationships, individual liberties, and human rights. It influenced how people perceived their own thoughts and emotions.
5. Victorian-era The 19th century
The Victorian period was defined by a mix of repressed sexuality and prudence. Social conventions favored modesty and restraint, and public discussions about sex were generally discouraged. In some areas of Victorian culture, the rigid moral appearance coexisted with private displays of sexuality and an interest in eroticism. The era's legacy has been understood as one of both suppressed and hidden sexual desires. The rise of the middle class resulted in the establishment of new moral standards that emphasized respectability, discipline, and conformity to social norms.
The morality of the middle class influenced how society as a whole perceived sexuality. Males and females were often subjected to different moral standards, with men occasionally overlooking or tolerating extramarital affairs to a greater extent than women. 20th-century Throughout the twentieth century, society's perception of sexuality shifted significantly. The two World Wars and subsequent cultural shifts influenced more liberal views on sex.
By the early twentieth century, many Western societies had adopted the practice of marrying for love, compatibility, or connection. Although social and economic factors remained important, cultural beliefs and customs accentuated romantic love as the primary component of marriage.
Popular culture, music, and literature all promoted romantic notions. The sexual revolution occurred in the 1960s, when people pushed for sexual freedom and expression while challenging traditional norms. The development of birth control methods, particularly the birth control pill, contributed significantly to the sexual revolution. The pill gave women more control over their reproductive options, allowing them to engage in sexual relationships more freely.
The sexual revolution was a multifaceted social and cultural movement that evolved over several years and was influenced by a variety of historical, technological, and cultural developments. It wasn't a single event. Essentially, the contraceptive pill has become a powerful symbol of women's reproductive health agency, serving as a bridge between their sexuality and their professional goals. The pill allowed women to make decisions about when to become pregnant based on their professional goals, which provided a significant psychological benefit. This dual control over career and reproductive decisions caused a significant shift in social expectations. It marked the start of a period in which women's sexuality was embraced, they actively shaped their career paths, and they were given more autonomy.
Personally, I find this era to be very inspiring, both culturally and in terms of the momentum it provided for a significant shift in sexuality. It is beautiful to me because of its diversity and the freedom it represents.
It will always be one of the pillars and treasures of a time when art, and especially music, had a profound impact on the development of the human spirit.
6. Internet and Digital Age
The advent of the digital age, specifically the internet, has changed the sexual landscape. Information, online forums, and dating apps have made it easier to express and explore one's sexuality. Curating is a critical skill in this era because it is more important than ever for going deeper into one's own self-awareness. A solid educational foundation is crucial for navigating the terrain of sexuality, particularly among teenagers. The prevalence of superficial content on the internet raises risks, especially when people are not properly guided.
To develop a positive self-image, one requires positive reinforcement from mentors and other authority figures, such as teachers.
It can be difficult to stay grounded in one's body and find a unique way to express one's sexuality in the modern world.
Aesthetic cosmetic interventions that change one's appearance have the potential to become the norm without addressing underlying emotional or mental health issues. The emphasis should be on the patient’s expectations of the outcome of the procedure. If people are not fully aware of their motive for making decisions, which is to just feel better about themselves, not for medical reasons, many studies show that changing your appearance for aesthetic reasons, including self-image, social acceptance, and "fix" relationships, can actually raise anxiety and lower self-esteem. Enhancing one's appearance does not address the source of the need for change.
Cosmetic enhancement is on the rise. More and more people report being unhappy with their appearance. The belief of imagined ugliness is often held with delusional conviction.19 In an attempt to alleviate their distress, sufferers may seek reassurance from others, check their appearance repeatedly in the mirror, try to conceal the “defect” through use of concealing clothing, wigs, makeup, hats, and so on.
As people generally seek cosmetic interventions to feel better about themselves, one would anticipate that cosmetically successful procedures would lead to enhanced self-esteem, mood, and social confidence. While studies spanning four decades have reported that most people undergoing cosmetic interventions are satisfied with the result,3,4 what has been less studied is the outcome in psychosocial terms.
Botulinum toxin affects the ability to display emotions.
This can have an effect on interpersonal communication. In the author's opinion, doses and any injection schemes should be carefully considered between clinicians and patients. The ability to express emotions is important for human interaction and may outweigh the disadvantages of wrinkles. In the modern digital world, which is presently recovering from a pandemic, it is particularly important to celebrate and embrace humanity by being empathic and able to mirror others.
The effects of Botulinum toxin on the detection of gradual changes in facial emotion
This extended article published in Nature magazine concludes that Humans rely on facial expressions to successfully process emotions and that the ability to freely change facial expressions while talking with each other allows us to communicate more effectively. Because frozen facial muscles cannot reflect our emotional state, using facial enhancers can create a shift, a ripple effect, in our way of communicating with each other. (non-verbal language)
The question will be whether history eventually teaches us to accept and value our inherent limitations.
In the complex world of sexuality, our collective perspective and the reasons we exist may only grow if we prioritize genuine understanding, diversity, and value over ephemeral trend norms.
In summary:
We can take advantage of the opportunity to live in what could be the greatest period in human history if we are fortunate enough to be mindful, selective with our information, extract what is best for ourselves, and remain grounded in our individual journeys.
We can truly realize our potential for complete freedom by embracing our uniqueness and charting our own course. Our ability to be free is proportional to how much we recognize our own worth.
Empathy and a nonjudgmental attitude may lead us to levels of liberation never before possible.
The history of sexuality, which dates back to the Greeks, reflects the interaction of social, cultural, religious, and scientific influences. While some historical eras have been characterized by repression and conservatism, others have seen movements that promote diversity, sexual liberation, and the recognition of personal autonomy in intimacy and relationships.
This complex historical itinerary highlights the ongoing search for understanding, acceptance, and celebration of the different expressions of human sexuality.
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