With respect to sexual norms, which earlier period is Victorianism similar to? Explain.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Sexual repression, once again, entered into effect during the Victorian period, this time probably as a way of controlling segments of population but also as a reaction to what was thought to be immoral sexuality in 18th century. Sexuality was reserved for marriage and procreation, and birth rates once again declined, although this time, contraception also influenced this. However, sex was even medically often deemed dangerous because a loss of sexual energy and sexual desire was thought to be harmful. This outlook on sexuality, although more modern and explained by pseudoscientific theories, was similar to the mores and norms of the Middle Ages. Sex was reserved for marriage and mostly for the fertile periods of women. Still, while moral norms were strict, there were no strict punishments for sexuality as in Middle Ages, and the influence of liberation achieved in 18th century was visible, as many people willingly rejected these norms. Females, at least “honest” ones, were, similar to the 18th century, considered sexually passive, and males were considered more dominant. The feminist movement emerged as a response to this stand, trying to achieve a better social but also sexual position for women, in marriage and outside of it.