From Taboo to Liberation: The Evolution of Western Views on Sex in the 20th Century

Author: Zhang Hong
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-04-01
Features: From the sexual taboos in the West before the 20th century to the sexual liberation in the 20th century Western world, and then into the era of pan-sexuality, advocating "unlimited sexuality," until today's return to sexuality, the author has given full attention to the research. In the process of studying Western sexual liberation and return, we cannot help but pay some attention to the sexual status of our country's population. Since the reform and opening up, China has undergone earth-shaking changes in politics, economy, and society, and people's sexual concepts have also undergone great changes. We should learn from and take lessons from Western sexual liberation and return. The entire 20th century Western sexual morality presents a huge curve, from zero to a peak, and then sliding down to the halfway point. This change should be the inevitable development of history. Since sex is an indispensable aspect of people's lives, it cannot always remain a taboo. It is only natural for people to view sex with scientific, moral, and rational perspectives; however, sexual freedom cannot be misused. The "unlimited sexuality" that emerged in sexual liberation has taken sexual abuse to its peak, not only violating the natural laws of sex but also basic moral ethics. Therefore, the return to sexuality is also an inevitable choice. In the process of studying Western sexual liberation and return, we cannot help but pay some attention to the sexual status of our country's population. Since the reform and opening up, China has undergone earth-shaking changes in politics, economy, and society, and people's sexual concepts have also undergone great changes. We should learn from and take lessons from Western sexual liberation and return.