Being a milestone during adolescence and youth, all of us have gone through questioning what our first sexual experience will be like, with whom, where and in what way. Many doubts and insecurities arise around this moment, and the responsibility for this is no less than the social importance built around the concept of “virginity.”
Virginity refers to sexual abstinence, therefore, a virgin is one who has not had or does not have sexual relations. When we talk about “losing virginity”, we are referring precisely to the moment of the first sexual experience or contact. This is nothing more than an archaic conception linked to Christianity, which generates false expectations, fears and doubts around sexuality.
It is the responsibility of all people to realize the inability of this concept to address inclusive and realistic sexuality education. Virginity is nothing more than a patriarchal concept that, on many occasions, has only served to perpetuate the Christian meaning of guilt towards women who have sexual relations, becoming “impure” from this perspective.
In this article, We are going to orbit around the concept of virginity, responding to how it has been mythologized and why it is a social construct that must be deconstructed and reformulated.
To understand the concept of virginity and its mythification, it is crucial to examine its evolution throughout history. Virginity is not a static concept, but has been shaped and manipulated over the centuries by cultural, religious and patriarchal influences.
1. Antiquity
In ancient civilizations, female virginity was considered an attribute of high value and purity. Young virgins were seen as worthy of marriage, and were expected to maintain their chastity until that time This valuation of virginity was closely linked to the idea of property, through which women were transferred from the custody of their parents to that of their husbands as objects of exchange, with virginity having an added component of value.
Christianity significantly influenced the perpetuation of virginity as a virtue in Western culture The Virgin Mary, considered the mother of Jesus, is an emblematic example of this ideal of virginal purity. This veneration of female virginity had a lasting impact on Western society and morality. In the Middle Ages, virginity became a source of ecclesiastical and political power. Noblewomen were considered tools to forge marital alliances and preserve the purity of bloodlines, especially among the nobility. In this context, virginity became a form of social control and gender hierarchy.
3. 20th century and sexual revolution
During the Sexual Revolution of the 20th century, virginity experienced a significant change, taking a direction less linked to the archaic conceptions that we have just discussed. As the fight for women’s rights and feminist movements gained momentum, traditional narratives around virginity began to crumble. However, despite these advances, social pressure and stereotypes about virginity still persist in our society, giving rise to the consideration of virginity as something to “lose”, generating a lot of expectation and fear around that “loss”. ”.
Female virginity as a social construct
As we have been commenting, the concept of virginity throughout history has been subjected to a social construction that reflects gender inequalities rooted in patriarchal structures. This construct has had a profound influence on women’s lives, shaping their experiences and expectations around sexuality. Examining this phenomenon is essential to understand how virginity has been mythologized in a sexist context.
Female virginity has historically been considered a valuable “asset” that women are expected to retain until marriage , as opposed to male virginity. This approach implies the idea that women should maintain their purity and chastity as a sign of virtue. The consequences of not meeting this standard have often been associated with discredit and dishonor, while men rarely face the same expectations and judgments.
This sexist approach to virginity also It is related to the idea that women are “property” of men , either from their parents before marriage or from their husbands after marriage. This objectifying conception of women as objects of transference perpetuates the idea that their value is linked to their virginity, rather than their abilities, achievements or personality. The pressure on women to maintain their virginity has often led to extreme situations, such as female genital mutilation and sexual oppression. In some cultures, virginity tests have been used to control women and subject them to invasive and humiliating practices.
Female virginity ultimately becomes a question of control over women’s autonomy and identity. Challenging these social constructs is essential to promoting gender equality and sexual empowerment.
Myths around virginity
The myths around virginity, especially in its female version, have contributed significantly to its mythification and the perpetuation of gender inequalities. These myths are rooted in cultural and social perceptions surrounding sexuality and virtue. By identifying and debunking these myths, we can shed light on the need to question and redefine the concept of virginity.
1. Virginity as purity and morality
One of the most common myths is the idea that virginity is intrinsically linked to purity and morality. This narrative presupposes that those who are not virgins are immoral or impure, which creates undue pressure on people, especially women, to maintain their virginity This dualistic perception of “virgin or impure” is unfair and harmful as it does not take into account the complexity of human experiences.
2. Virginity as something that is “given”
Another harmful myth is that of virginity as a “gift” that a person can give to their partner. This narrative reduces sexuality to an act of exchange, where a person’s worth is measured by their virginity. This perspective objectifies people and minimizes the importance of communication, consent, and pleasure in intimate relationships.
3. Virginity and lack of sexual knowledge
Myths surrounding virginity have also been linked to the belief that virgins know nothing about sex or lack sexual skills This perception perpetuates the idea that inexperience is negative, which can create anxiety and pressure in people who have not yet had sex.
A crucial part of deconstructing the concept of sexist and patriarchal virginity is the promotion of comprehensive sexual education. Sexual education plays a fundamental role in the fight for gender equality and in building a society that embraces diversity and respect for individual autonomy. Sexual education must be inclusive and based on accurate and up-to-date information about anatomy, physiology, interpersonal relationships and consent Additionally, it should focus on the importance of informed decision making and respect for each individual’s personal choices.
Instead of perpetuating myths and stereotypes related to virginity, sex education should encourage a broader, more realistic understanding of sexuality. This means recognizing that there is no single “correct” way to experience sexuality, and that each person has the right to decide when and how they want to experience it. You should move away from the idea that virginity is an indicator of morality or self-worth.
Comprehensive sexuality education must also address issues of gender and power. It must teach people to recognize and resist social pressures and gender expectations that may influence their sexual choices. Promoting gender equality and mutual consent is essential to create a culture that values respect and autonomy in sexual matters.
By providing people with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed and healthy decisions regarding their sexuality, sexuality education can play a significant role in deconstructing the concept of virginity and promoting a more equal and respectful society in this area.
Conclusions
In conclusion, the mythologization of virginity, especially as applied to women, reflects a social construct rooted in machismo and patriarchy. Throughout history, myths have contributed to maintaining harmful stereotypes. Comprehensive sexuality education and demystification are essential to promote gender equality and autonomy. The deconstruction of the concept of virginity is essential to move towards a more inclusive society that respects sexual diversity.
