História da sexualidade I

Summary

In this lecture on human sexuality, Professor Alexandre Romeiro explores the historical, social, and cultural aspects of sexuality. He discusses the role of monogamy and polygamy as social contracts, examining their cultural, religious, and political influences. The lecture also delves into variations like polygyny and polyandry, highlighting the ways these structures have shaped societies over time. The professor emphasizes that sexuality is not instinctive but rather a social construct, deeply influenced by historical narratives. The session aims to challenge students to think critically about the historical factors that shape how sexuality is understood and expressed.

Takeaways

• 😀 Human sexuality is shaped by a combination of biological, social, cultural, and historical factors.
• 😀 Sexuality is viewed as a social contract, influenced by power dynamics, cultural norms, and values.
• 😀 Monogamy is a widely accepted social structure in Western societies, often influenced by religious, political, and legal factors.
• 😀 The concept of monogamy involves a union between two individuals, with cultural implications regarding fidelity and societal expectations.
• 😀 Polygamy refers to a social structure where one person has multiple partners, often divided into polygyny (one man, multiple women) and polyandry (one woman, multiple men).
• 😀 Polygyny, where one man has multiple wives, is more commonly practiced and culturally accepted in certain societies, especially in non-Western cultures.
• 😀 Polyandry, where one woman has multiple husbands, is much rarer but exists in some cultures, including a growing movement in parts of Africa.
• 😀 Both monogamy and polygamy are seen as social contracts that are not inherently natural but are shaped by culture, religion, and historical context.
• 😀 The idea of 'natural' sexuality is a misconception, as all sexual and relationship structures are influenced by societal norms and historical narratives.
• 😀 Patriarchy often plays a key role in shaping these relationship structures, where men tend to hold more power, especially in systems like polygyny.
• 😀 The class aims to examine the historical periods and movements that have shaped the practice and understanding of monogamy and polygamy throughout time.

Q & A

What is the main topic discussed in this lecture?

The main topic of the lecture is human sexuality, with a focus on the historical and social aspects that shape sexual behavior and relationships, including the concepts of monogamy and polygamy.

What does the speaker mean by the 'social contract' in relation to sexuality?

The 'social contract' in relation to sexuality refers to the ways in which societal norms, values, and cultural practices shape and govern how individuals express their sexuality, including the roles of monogamy and polygamy.

How does the speaker differentiate between monogamy and polygamy?

Monogamy is the practice of having one partner in a relationship, while polygamy involves having multiple partners. The speaker emphasizes that both are cultural and historical constructs rather than innate or 'natural' behaviors.

What role does history play in shaping human sexuality, according to the speaker?

History plays a crucial role in shaping human sexuality, as different historical periods and cultural contexts influence how people understand and express their sexual relationships. The speaker notes that sexuality is not fixed and changes depending on societal norms and cultural narratives.

What is the significance of the question 'Would I be the same person if I were born in a different time period?'

This question is meant to highlight the idea that individual identity, including sexuality, is shaped by the historical and cultural context in which a person lives. It suggests that different time periods would lead to different understandings and expressions of sexuality.

Why does the speaker describe sexuality as a 'social contract'?

Sexuality is described as a 'social contract' because it is not an inherent or instinctive aspect of human nature, but rather a construct shaped by social, cultural, and political forces. This means the ways people express their sexuality are influenced by their cultural and historical environments.

What are the two main types of polygamy discussed, and how do they differ?

The two main types of polygamy discussed are polygyny and polyandry. Polygyny involves one man having multiple wives, whereas polyandry involves one woman having multiple husbands. The speaker notes that polygyny is more common and culturally accepted in many societies, while polyandry is much rarer.

How does the speaker view the influence of religion on the practice of monogamy?

Religion, particularly in Western cultures, plays a significant role in promoting monogamy. The speaker explains that many religious doctrines, especially in Christianity, view marriage as a sacred union between two individuals, which influences the social norms around sexual relationships and marriage.

What is the connection between patriarchy and the practice of polygamy?

The speaker links patriarchy to polygamy by pointing out that in many societies, polygyny (where one man has multiple wives) is often a manifestation of patriarchal power structures, where men have the social, political, and economic power to marry multiple women.

What does the speaker mean when they say 'sexuality is not instinctive, but constructed'?

The speaker is emphasizing that human sexuality is not biologically predetermined or instinctual, but rather it is socially and culturally constructed. This means that the ways people experience and express sexuality are shaped by historical, cultural, and social forces.