When it was first released in 1967, the song Je T’aime Moi Non Plus, by Jane Birken and Serge Gainsbourg caused quite a stir. In fact it was banned in several counteries, because of the apparent intimacy occuring between the singers in the soundtrack. By today’s standards, after Donna Summer and Frankie Goes To Hollywood, it seems quite tame. (You can listen to it here.) The banning of Je t’aime raises significant questions about society’s attitude towards human intimacy, then and in ages past. We might also wonder if we’ve moved beyond such zealous attitudes today? Let’s take a look.
How Attitudes Change with Time: The Influence of Culture, Religion, Politics and Economic Factors on Human Relations
As the lyrics of the song Je t’aime suggest, human sexuality is a fundamental aspect of human existence, influencing individual behaviour, relationships, and societal structures. Yet, as the banning of Je t’aime demonstrates, attitudes toward sexuality have undergone profound changes throughout history, shaped by cultural, religious, political, and economic factors. Understanding these shifts can illuminate the complexities of contemporary sexuality and the ongoing debates surrounding it.
Ancient Civilisations
In ancient times, sexuality was often interwoven with spirituality and fertility. Many early societies, such as those in Mesopotamia, Egypt, and Greece, viewed sexual acts as sacred and vital for maintaining cosmic order. The worship of fertility gods, like Inanna or Isis, highlighted the connection between sexual expression and societal prosperity.
In ancient China, the practice of sexual arts was considered essential for health and wellbeing. In India, texts like the “Kama Sutra” detailed sexual techniques not just for pleasure but for strengthening marital bonds.
The Influence of Religion
The advent of major religions significantly impacted societal attitudes toward sexuality. Christianity, Islam, and Judaism, among others, introduced moral frameworks that often conflated sexuality with sinfulness, particularly outside of marriage, resulting in restrictive views on sexual expression. The notion of chastity became highly valued, and sexuality was frequently associated with shame and guilt.
During the Middle Ages, the church’s influence grew, and sexual activity was often relegated to a means of procreation only. The ascetic movements within Christianity reinforced the idea that sexual desire was something to be suppressed. This period was marked by a dichotomy in which sexuality was simultaneously celebrated within the context of marriage while being largely stigmatised in broader society.
The Renaissance and Enlightenment
With the Renaissance came a gradual shift toward a more human-centred approach, emphasising individuality and personal experience. Humanists began to challenge previous dogmas, and arts and literature from this period began to reflect more diverse sexual themes. The courtly love tradition explored romantic and often non-physical expressions of love, influencing later understandings of emotional intimacy.
The Enlightenment further propelled discussions of sexuality into the public domain. Thinkers such as John Locke and Jean-Jacques Rousseau questioned traditional views, advocating for reason and individual rights, which opened pathways for discussions about human sexuality. The recognition of sexual attraction as a part of human nature gained traction, setting the stage for more progressive views in the 19th century.
The 19th Century: Sexology and Social Movements
The birth of sexology in the 19th century marked a significant turning point in the study of human sexuality. Pioneers like Sigmund Freud began to explore how sexuality influenced human behaviour and identity.
Simultaneously, various social movements began to challenge existing norms. The suffragettes pushed for women’s rights, including sexual autonomy, while movements for LGBTQ+ rights began to emerge in response to societal repression. Notable cases, like Oscar Wilde’s trial in 1895, brought attention to the criminalisation of homosexuality and the need for reform.
The 20th Century: Liberation and Exploration
The 20th century witnessed unprecedented changes in attitudes towards sexuality, particularly during the post-World War II period. The sexual revolution of the 1960s and 1970s challenged conservative norms. Access to contraception and increased visibility of LGBTQ+ communities encouraged open discussions about sexual orientation, gender identity, and the right to consensual sexual relationships.
Key movements, including feminism and LGBTQ+ rights, fought against repression, advocating for sexual liberation and the decriminalisation of homosexuality. The introduction of laws and policies supporting marriage equality and anti-discrimination began reshaping societal attitudes, paving the way for broader acceptance of diverse sexual identities.
The 21st Century: Ongoing Challenges and Acceptance
In the current era, attitudes toward sexuality continue to evolve. The advent of the internet has created platforms for sexual expression, education, and community building, but it has also facilitated the spread of misinformation and harmful stereotypes. While many societies have become more accepting of various sexual orientations and practices, significant disparities in acceptance persist globally.
The history of human sexuality is a reflection of broader cultural, social, and political narratives. As attitudes continue to shift, it remains essential to recognise the historical context that informs contemporary understandings of sexuality. Education, open dialogue, and advocacy will be crucial in fostering a society that respects and celebrates the diversity of human sexual expression. As we move forward, embracing a comprehensive understanding of sexuality will contribute to a more inclusive and equitable world.
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Recommended reading: (1) My Secret Garden, by Nancy Friday, (2) Men in Love, by Nancy Friday, Gifts From The Goddess, by Michael M. Bowden, (4) The Goddess And The Guru, by Michael M. Bowden, (5) Wikipedia – Khajuraho Indian Temples, (6) Erotic Sculptures in Indian Temples, by Rekha Rao, (7) Want, compiled by Gillian Anderson, (8) Sexuality in World History, by Peter Stearns, (9) Sex Lessons From History, by Fern Riddell, (10) Sexual Behaviour in the Human Female, (11) The Sexual Revolution, by George Wilson, (12) The Red Queen: Sex and the Evolution of Human Nature, by Matt Ridley, (13) The Psychology of Human Sexuality, by Justin J. Lehmiller, and other books by Nancy Friday.
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