Reproduction has always been an essential key in the flow of life, and this goes for all living beings. Throughout the centuries of humankind, we have viewed it through various historical and cultural views. Let’s look at the historical views on sex and how it evolved.
- Divine or Biblical View
In the Divine or Biblical view, reproduction resulted from God’s words: “Be fruitful and multiply and replenish the earth.” Children are seen as a gift from God. Sex could be viewed as a double-edged blade. On the one hand, it was a task assigned to humans by God, and on the other, it was a temptation led by the devil resulting in infections and accidents in pregnancy. Various Gods worshipped over the times were divine figures dedicated to fertility. There’s the Egyptian Goddess Nephthys and the Grecian Goddess Aphrodite.
- Societal View
In the societal view, reproduction is deemed necessary. When human beings took a step away from the hunter/gatherer phase and into an agrarian society, it was essential to multiply as it was a time of development. With war and the formation of societies, a steady inflow of human resources was needed.
- Modern View
In the modern view, we are going through another “Sexual Revolution” similar to what occurred in the 60s to 70s. With the rise of various sexualities, feminism, and new forms of contraceptives, the act of reproduction is no longer needed by some. Some of the new generations are even set on not having children in these circumstances. Sex by then is mainly viewed as something to enjoy or express one’s self.
The saying “the only constant is change” has been proven repeatedly, and humankind has reached yet another stage in its approach towards reproduction. Of course, many views remain today in different people, but different norms have been applied in the past. This was the historical outlook on the views of sex. How about through your eyes? In your perspective, how do you see the concept of sex?
