One might think that sexuality is an issue of repression that is to say that sex, as an endeavor outside of reproduction is considered to be taboo. And if one was to think this way one might feel that sexual liberation involves a push for a larger degree of openness concerning sexuality.
Foucault disagrees with the claim that sex has been repressed and silenced. He argues that the discourse about sex has only intensified and proliferated since the eighteenth century. Sex has become an important object of study for demographic and statistical analysis. As the discourse regarding sex has broadened so too has the arenas for sexual study. (Married couples – perversion – child sexuality – homosexuality – ECT) Sexuality is now subject to character, experience, and belief systems.
Sex is studied not in a sensual sense (art of pleasure) but rather in a scientific sense that seeks to classify. Sex has become an object of scientific investigation. Sex has evolved into a “truth” system, I.E. it is used to explain us. Why is this so? For Foucault our relationship with sex has to do with power and knowledge. Sexuality is not repressed by power, sexuality creates power. Sexual classifications create power implications within the family and throughout society. Past controls on sex are seen as devices of survival (ensure health and longevity). Now, we see sexuality as our essence or core selves. In reality sexuality is a social construct that makes us easier to control.
No comments:
Post a Comment