The History of Sexuality: An Introduction Study Guide

During the 17th century, sexuality was not considered illicit and sexual acts were pursued more or less flagrantly. There was no taboo regarding sex, and even children were commonly aware of sexual behaviors. Then sexuality was gradually shifted into the home, where it became a personal matter between exclusive partners. Sexuality was controlled and manipulated to become productive and reproductive of national power. Thus, the repression of sexuality led to the concentration of power, whilst power became simultaneously equated to pleasure. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, sexuality became taboo, became socially non-existent, and the discourse of sexuality fell silent, even as populations continued to increase rapidly. (read more)