Performance
Lights, Camera, Orgasm
Pepper Schwartz
Search for more papers by this authorMartha Kempner
Search for more papers by this authorPepper Schwartz
Search for more papers by this authorMartha Kempner
Search for more papers by this authorSummary
This chapter analyzes why societies put so much emphasis on virginity. In many cultures virginity has historically been tied to purity and morality, especially for women. In the early 1900s, however, this view began to change. Though virginity was still seen as valuable to women, more young women were more willing to have sex outside of marriage—especially within the context of a relationship that was heading toward marriage. The 1990s were an interesting time for views on virginity. In modern history, society has had some pretty conflicting views on virginity. These views impact how individuals feel about their own first time. The chapter highlights that young people should be educated about sexuality and first sexual experiences before they have them. It further talks about the simultaneous orgasm myth, gender, rough sex, masturbation and aphrodisiacs.
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