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Assignment 7

According to the author, Michel Foucault, “the History of Sexuality” is a history of repression and began during the Victorian era. Prior to this time, during the 17^th century, sexuality was openly discussed and adults could express themselves without shame. However, the opposite was true in the 19^th century. This period became a time where sexuality was treated with great secrecy. It was limited to the home and reproduction was its primary function. Foucault attributes this repressed attitude towards sexuality as a result of Capitalism.

Furthermore, Foucault discusses that this atmosphere created one of repression. It sought to eliminate sexuality from society and act as if it did not exists. The only place where talking about sexual acts was accepted was in mental hospitals and brothels. Although some progress as made by Freud’s work, sexuality was equally contained on a couch with a therapist, like it was contained in the bedroom between couples. The reason Foucault cites this notion is its connection to politics. Foucault suggests that the repression of sexuality is directly linked to control and politics.

With the development of Capitalism, the purpose of sex was to reproduce and ensure a labor force. The author cites that sex was not to be spoken about and that this prohibition caused feelings of fear. Additionally, it prevents us from connecting sexuality with pleasure and causes feelings of guilt. Moreover, Foucault points out that these antiquated feelings about sexuality where reinforced by religious figures.

Part One of Foucault’s, “The History of Sexuality” is the introduction where Foucault provides the history of sexuality. In the early 17^th century, sex was openly discussed. During the Victorian age, the development of Capitalism caused sexual acts to become confined to the home and the bedroom. Talking about it was prohibited. Foucault’s introduces three doubts that he aims at addressing and his “Repressive Hypothesis”. These doubts are not only to explore the history of sexuality, but also to connect it to current perceptions in today’s society, by analyzing who are the people and institutions talking about it.

Questions:

1. What role did religion play in the repression of sexuality?
2. Are we still a society of “Other Victorians”?