The study sought to demonstrate an anthropological contingency of various structures that relate to sexuality, including discourses, constructions and deconstructions. Sexuality is observed to be a construct of historical interrelationships that may be engraved in the ideologies of certain people, as well as the prevailing cultures and economy. Also, it noted that sexuality is an ambiguous aspect of life, and very virtual. Therefore, the alterity of it is justifiable through the existence of groups, whose power can never be the same, meaning one team will always subscribe to the other. Thus, the scrutiny of the past facilitates the learning of history, socialisation and politics that surround sexuality.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Context Literature Review
3. Sexuality and the Victorian Discourse
4. Sexuality and Anthropological Discourse
5. Construction and Deconstruction of Sexuality
6. Conclusion
Research Objectives and Themes
This research paper aims to analyze the anthropological evolution of sexuality, critiquing various historical discourses, constructions, and deconstructions that have shaped social perspectives on sexual behavior and health over time.
- Evolution of human sexuality and its relationship with psychological health.
- The impact of the Victorian discourse on sexual control and power dynamics.
- The shift in sexual paradigms during the mid-20th century.
- The role of Marxism and social activism in changing sexual perspectives.
- Contemporary processes of construction and deconstruction regarding gender and sexuality.
Excerpt from the Book
Sexuality and the Victorian Discourse
About human behaviour, in the 18th century, it was healthy to have proper control of what, where and when passion would be brought up and practised (Weston 2011, p. 16). Sexuality is depicted over centuries as having been put under control and to a more significant extent, was based on virtual law- the kind of rule that was not written, but silently observed with punitive measures on those who failed to abide by it. The Victorian Discourse was a means through which power was enacted rationally upon citizens and individuals. The main aim of the discourse was to authorise given parties to exercise control over others who were deemed subjects in its contexts such as wives, children, teachers and courts. The depiction of women and children as being under control shows an unhealthy approach to relationships even in the 18th century. The lack of liberty for the female gender indicates a male chauvinist era where the much women could do was to obey just like children and other ‘lesser’ persons. The Victorian discourse legitimised the deprivation of sexuality and the rights thereof that should have been accorded the ordinary citizens of lower rank. The legislation that lies in the discussion brings out sensuality as a prestigious phenomenon, purely meant for the privileged and only for the underprivileged under the authority of the higher cadre of citizens.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Defines the field of anthropology in relation to sexuality and outlines the study's focus on human sexual behavior across time.
2. Context Literature Review: Provides an overview of academic perspectives on sexual norms, marginalization, and the forces of power that influence societal views on sexuality.
3. Sexuality and the Victorian Discourse: Examines 18th-century sexual control mechanisms and the use of power to enforce norms, particularly affecting women and marginalized groups.
4. Sexuality and Anthropological Discourse: Discusses the mid-20th-century paradigm shift, noting the rise of activism and the legitimization of previously non-conforming sexual orientations.
5. Construction and Deconstruction of Sexuality: Analyzes the evolution of sexual perspectives through late 20th-century movements and the ongoing process of challenging restrictive norms.
6. Conclusion: Synthesizes the main arguments, reaffirming that sexuality is a historical and social construct shaped by culture, economy, and power structures.
Keywords
Anthropology, Sexuality, Victorian Discourse, Social Construction, Gender Roles, Evolutionary History, Power Dynamics, Marxism, Activism, Human Behavior, Sexual Identity, Deconstruction, Ethnography, Cultural Norms, Psychology
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the fundamental focus of this research paper?
The paper explores the anthropological understanding of sexuality, analyzing how sexual behaviors and norms have been constructed, controlled, and evolved over time.
What are the central thematic areas covered?
The key themes include historical sexual discourses, the influence of power and ideology on sexual behavior, the role of gender roles, and the impact of societal shifts on sexual rights.
What is the primary research objective?
The goal is to demonstrate the anthropological contingency of structures related to sexuality, showing how sexual norms are not fixed but are products of historical interrelationships.
Which scientific methods are employed?
The research relies on a comprehensive literature review and theoretical analysis to critique existing anthropological developments and historical discourses.
What topics are discussed in the main body?
The main body covers the Victorian era's control of sexuality, the 20th-century paradigm shifts, the influence of Marxism on morality, and modern construction and deconstruction processes.
Which keywords best characterize this work?
The core keywords include Anthropology, Sexuality, Victorian Discourse, Social Construction, Gender Roles, Power Dynamics, and Deconstruction.
How did the Victorian era influence sexual perception?
The Victorian era utilized a "virtual law" to impose sexual control, legitimizing the authority of the privileged over others and creating strict, often repressive, norms for behavior.
What role did Marxism play in changing anthropological perspectives?
Marxism shifted the analysis of morality and gender roles from uninformed stereotypes to a more scientific paradigm, facilitating constructive criticism regarding societal norms.
What is meant by the "explorer versus explored" mechanism?
This refers to a Victorian-era power imbalance where male "explorers" categorized and defined the sexuality of the "explored," often leading to the objectification of women and colonized peoples.
Why is the deconstruction of sexuality considered an ongoing process?
Deconstruction remains a continuous effort because many nations still struggle with legislative difficulties and the pursuit of gender equity, necessitating an ongoing critique of existing sex discourses.
- Citation du texte
- Dr. Amos Wesonga (Auteur), 2017, An Anthrpology of Sexuality, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/439513
