Let’s Talk About Sex, Baby: American Sex Education in the Mid-1900’s Modern Implications on Virginity Culture
Abstract:
The history of sex education in the mid-1900s in America demonstrates different beliefs about sex and the body. By looking at this history through the lens of female bodies and ideals, as well as the greater societal impact of these beliefs, greater understandings about women’s sexualization in American culture can then be understood. Furthermore, the future impact of such ideology can be explained. The purpose of this project is to display an understanding of sex education for women during this time, and how in turn, these taboos are upheld today in order to reinforce the practice of keeping one’s sexual purity, which is mostly encouraged for women rather than men. The methodological approach of writing about sex education through the perspective of women at this time will display that many American beliefs about this topic are hypercritical of women and their sexuality. Through this, it can be proven that sex education in America from the mid-1900s onwards is focused on policing women’s bodies rather than promoting safe and consensual, sex as well as a positive narrative regarding women’s health. Additionally, these beliefs have been passed along generationally, impacting women in the 21st-century.