Historical influences that have affected human sexuality over time
Human sexuality is a part of the social life of humans controlled by the social norms of society. Human beings are sexual beings, and by all means, nobody can skip sexuality in a lifetime. In one way or the other people have experienced sexuality. Each society has a view about human sexuality, especially on sexual behaviors such as premarital sex, sexual consent, homosexuality, masturbation. The view of human sexuality in the society is based on religious beliefs, cultural backgrounds, education systems as well as media influence (Simon, 2017). Religion is the most significant influence of sexuality that people view human sexuality from a biblical aspect. However, media has taken over, and currently, people are influenced by what is on the internet and media platforms. The current education system encourages sex education; thus, most people are informed about human sexuality. The societal view of human sexuality changed over time throughout history, and it is endlessly evolving. This paper examines various historical influences that have affected human sexuality over time.
There are several historical- cultural influences on human sexuality such as sexual revolution, the control of conception, the emergency of Contraception, gender roles, homosexuality, the internet, and many more. First, sexual revolution has changed the way people viewed human sexuality. The sexual revolution is also known as sexual liberation, emerged in 1960, deconstructed the traditional norms about sexuality. Traditionally, sexuality was a secret, fathers, and mother related in such a way that nobody thought that they had any sexual relationship. Sexuality was viewed as something sacred and that it should not be publicized.
In 1960, the view about sexuality changed; this happened due to a change in social roles; women started working, children allowed to access the internet; thus, everybody controlled their sexuality. It was as a result of civil rights that accepted social norms; the younger generation refused to heed to their parent’s values. They wanted the freedom to love freely and engage in premarital sex (Campbell, 2017). Women also started the feminist movement that questioned their gender roles; they wanted to be equal to men; everybody has a right to do what they feel. The feminists championed women’s sexual empowerment, the right to have sexual desires just like men.
Additionally, Contraception, pornography, premarital sex, masturbation, legalization of abortion and prostitution, homosexuality was the talk of the day in the 1960s. Women wanted to use pills like birth control; they wanted to be freed from having sex only after marriage. Sex became a regular thing; the young generation involved in sexual relationships; they watched pornography, masturbation was part of them; also, abortion was not a crime as it was thought before. All these were liberated, and people were free to do what they wanted. However, sexual liberation had its effects on the society, and family meant nothing, women became single mothers and children lost dignity. Male and female became promiscuous; thus, the view of sexuality as a sacred thing was deconstructed. Sexual revolution affected society; up to date, homosexuality, abortion, prostitution, premarital sex is just normal, and even some laws support the acts.
The emergency of Contraception is another event that happened along with the history of human sexuality. Traditionally, the only form of Contraception was the use of condoms, which was for men only, which meant that sex was under the control of men. Women became liberated when Contraception was introduced. In 1960, the first oral contraceptive was approved for public use; In the 1970s, doctors started to offer the use of copper IUD as hormonal emergency contraception. In February 1997, there was introduction of emergency pills (Myers, 2017). These were meant to control pregnancy and the methods are still used to date. Women are free to use any Contraception that is recommendable by the doctor. In the current generation, unmarried women also are under Contraception, and it is normal. Contraception is right because it helps in the control of pregnancies, thus control the population.
Furthermore, the view of human sexuality on gender roles has changed over time. In the past, women were viewed as sexual objects to men; they were meant to satisfy men’s sexual desires. A woman was there to be seen and adhere to the rules defined by the man; in the 1980s. Over time this view of women has changed; women are fighting for their rights. The civil liberties that made women be hunters just like men deconstructed the perspective of women as objects. Women started controlling their sexual behaviors and could also have a say as long as the sex was concerned (Funke,2018). It was a great move because women can express their feelings and sexual desires. Women are now viewed as assets, too; they work just like men.
The control of conception has emerged also as a result of human sexuality. Before the 1870s, conception was controllable through the power of sexual behaviors, and sex was illegal for the unmarried; therefore, only the married could get children. However, from the 1960s, history changed, and people made their choices concerning sexuality. Premarital sex became a normal behavior, and there was the legalization of prostitution. It called for an emergency, and people had to control themselves from unwanted pregnancies; therefore, Contraception emerged, and also Roe V. Wade legalized abortion. Women could now control their conception without consent from their partners. This was key to the nations as well as the people to control unwanted pregnancies and population.
In 2015, sexting was legalized; people were allowed to send sexually explicit messages anywhere at any time. This was done through mobile phones; as a result of technological advancement. Magazines were published featuring nude photos of women and men. Sexual affairs became open to the air, and nobody questioned. Celebrities and musicians were allowed to post anything they wanted, including their half-naked photos. Currently, people are oaky and their chat online, share sexually explicit pictures, and nobody questions. Social media platforms have made it even worse; people send their sex tapes some post it anywhere they want.
In 1973, homosexuality was legalized, and psychiatrists made it clear that it is not a mental disorder. That homosexuality is as healthy as heterosexual relationships. This view made people make choices on who to have a relationship. In 2003, homosexuality was legalized in the United States, people are free to engage in same-sex romantic relationships, and their marriages are legalized even in court (Kim, Mirilovic & Knuckey, 2019). Currently, the number of homosexuality is increasing because it has become a norm in several nations. Does the question remain if it is right or wrong?
The emergency of magazines, films, televisions, and the internet has affected human sexuality over time. Since sexuality is a public thing, people can post sexually explicit videos in stations and films; currently, movies feature people having sex. These platforms are accessible to everyone, including children, and nobody has a right to stop them.
In conclusion, human sexuality has greatly affected humanity. The changes that have taken place such as, emergency of Contraception, sexting, homosexuality, abortion, prostitution, have diverse effects on humanity. People view these from a digitalized point of view, but they forget their effects. I would say some of the changes have a positive impact, but the negatives are more. For instance, contraceptives are suitable for married women; however, they are used currently by every woman, whether young or old; therefore, young women and men engage in sexual behaviors anyhow because they are controlled. Besides, premarital sex is increasing in this generation; thus, there is no longer the value of virginity. We do not have the power to change humanity but evolve according to the world’s changes.