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Alfie Corteza Assignment #8

Alfie Corteza

Professor Bullock

Assignment #8

In part four, chapter four of Foucault’s “History of Sexuality,” he explains that there is a “technology of sex” (1978:123) and reproductive technology applies to numerous applications in society in the nineteenth century. An example of this would be when the people of the community had thought perversions was carried down generations and would spread throughout the classes and as a result, it had caused fear and pandemonium. The concern had then prompted people to create the technologies to solve such perversion, and eugenics was even involved to weed out the unfavorable. An example would be the young men and the poor classes being under utmost scrutiny. However, those that would not be affected or be the least affected would be the bourgeoisie. The bourgeoisie would want to contain their status by promoting their own well being and have their superior class beings. Foucault states, “with creating its own sexuality and forming a specific body based on it, a “class” body with its health, hygiene, descent, and race…” [1978,124]. The quote states that the elitists of society would preserve their class by creating the best possible selves they can produce. As a result, they can continue their generations of their elite status with their wealth, physical presence, and sexuality shown to those beneath them. Foucault also states that the bourgeoisie maintains this image as a way to preserve their lineage in bloodline and create an image of health and vitality. When compared to the proletariat of the same society, the bourgeoisie is considerably more desirable considering they place harsh restrictions upon themselves to display an air of responsibility and self-restraint. Thus the application of sexuality Foucault explains are the restrictions regarding sexuality the elitists put upon themselves to demonstrate superiority in regards to their sexual mental-states compared to their proletariate counterparts. In conclusion, I believe Foucault explains that the application of sexuality is a social construct the elitists placed upon themselves, that they created to demonstrate eminence over the proletariats.