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This essay explores the nature of the sexual double standard in the 20th century in the U.S. and its impact on society. It discusses the different attitudes and expectations towards men and women regarding their sexual behavior, and how it was reflected in various aspects of culture, including literature, movies, and music. It also examines the impact of the sexual double standard on women's health and well-being, mental health, and the treatment of women in reformatory centers. The essay also discusses the intersectionality of race, class, and gender in relation to the sexual double standard.
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The 20th century was marked by significant changes in society, and one area that was subject to a lot of scrutiny was sexual behavior. The sexual double standard, which refers to the different attitudes and expectations towards men and women regarding their sexual behavior, was highly prevalent in the United States during this period. This essay will explore the nature of the sexual double standard in the 20th century in the U.S. and its impact on society. During the early 1900s, society held women to a much stricter standard of sexual behavior than men. Women who engaged in sexual activity outside of marriage were often labeled as "promiscuous", while men who engaged in the same behavior were often admired for their sexual accomplishments. This attitude was prevalent in society and was reflected in various aspects of culture, including literature, movies, and music. One of the most prominent examples of the sexual double standard during this period was the enforcement of laws against birth control, such as the Comstock Act of 1873, including contraception and abortion. Women who used contraception or sought abortions were often subjected to harsh punishments, while men who engaged in sexual activity were not held to the same standard. This created a significant divergence in the way men and women were treated regarding their sexual behavior. Another example of the sexual double standard was the way society treated victims of sexual assault. Women who were assaulted were often blamed for their behavior, with people suggesting that they had somehow invited the assault or did not do anything to stop it. Men, on the other hand, were often excused for their behavior and not held accountable for their actions. The sexual double standard also impacted the way society viewed sexual orientation. During the 20th century, homosexuality was widely stigmatized, and individuals who identified as gay or lesbian were often ‘excluded’ from society. This was in contrast to the way society viewed heterosexual relationships, which were celebrated and encouraged. Indeed, at that time homosexuality was considered a psychological disorder that needs to be treated. The case of Gladys Bentley turns out to be a good example of this. In her article, she shares her experience of transitioning from living as a masculine-presenting lesbian to living as a heterosexual through gender reassignment surgery and hormone therapy. She states, “when the magic of modern medicine made it possible for me to have treatment which helped change my life completely”. The impact of the sexual double standard was far-reaching and had serious consequences for both men and women. Women were often forced to adhere to strict standards of sexual behavior in order to maintain their reputation and social standing. This meant that any deviation from these expectations, such as engaging in premarital sex, could lead to social exclusion. In fact, in her article “Charity Girls and City Pleasures: Historical Notes on Working-Class Sexuality, 1880-1920”, Kathy Peiss claims, “Chastity was the measure of young women’s respectability, and those who engaged in premarital intercourse, or more importantly, dressed and acted as though they had, were classed as promiscuous women or prostitutes.” On the other hand, men were often encouraged to engage in promiscuous behavior and were even celebrated for their sexual conquests. This double standard not only maintained harmful gender stereotypes but also had serious consequences for women's health and well-being. Women who engaged in premarital sex were often shamed and stigmatized, which made it difficult for them to seek medical attention or access contraception. This, in turn, put them at risk of unwanted pregnancies, unsafe abortions, and
sexually transmitted infections. The double standard also made it difficult for women to advocate for their own sexual needs and desires, as they were often seen as promiscuous and immoral. Furthermore, the sexual double standard reinforced the idea that men were entitled to women's bodies, leading to a culture of sexual harassment and assault. Women who were victimized were often blamed for their own victimization, as they were seen as "asking for it" by dressing provocatively or being too flirtatious. The societal attitude towards women and sex had significant implications for the treatment of women in reformatory centers such as Bedford, which were established to rehabilitate young women who were seen as “fallen” or “delinquent”. One of the most troubling aspects of the sexual double standard was its impact on women's mental health. The shame and stigma associated with premarital sex often led to feelings of guilt, anxiety, and depression. Women were taught to believe that their worth and value as human beings were tied to their sexual purity, which created an enormous amount of pressure and stress. Moreover, the sexual double standard perpetuated harmful ideas about gender roles and expectations. Men were expected to be dominant and aggressive, while women were supposed to be passive and submissive. This reinforced the idea that men were superior to women and that women's primary role was to serve and please men. The impact of the sexual double standard was particularly pronounced for women of color and working-class women, who were often subjected to even harsher treatment and discrimination. For example, Black women were often labeled as "hypersexual" and "promiscuous", which reinforced racist stereotypes about their supposed lack of morality. The intersectionality of race, class, and gender created unique challenges for African American women and working-class women who were subjected to the sexual double standard. The stereotype of the "hypersexual" and "promiscuous" Black woman not only reinforced racist stereotypes but also served to justify violence and sexual exploitation against Black women. This stereotype was often used to blame Black women for their own victimization and to excuse the actions of their oppressors. The police and Bedford administrators believed that black women were naturally promiscuous, rather than judging the conduct of individuals (Cheryl D. Hicks, 437). Furthermore, the sexual double standard had a complex relationship with the division between the private and public spheres, which was a defining feature of gender roles in the 20th century. According to this division, men belonged to the public sphere, which was associated with work, politics, and commerce, while women were assigned to the private sphere, which was associated with the home and family life. The middle and working classes experienced this division differently. In the middle class, the private sphere was associated with respectability and the maintenance of social status. Women were expected to adhere to strict standards of sexual behavior in order to maintain their reputation and social standing. On the other hand, men were often encouraged to engage in promiscuous behavior, which was seen as a symbol of masculinity and sexual accomplishment. In the working class, the division between the private and public spheres was less pronounced. Women often worked outside the home, and their sexual behavior was less closely tied to their social status. However, working-class women who engaged in premarital sex or had children out of marriage were often stigmatized and faced greater economic and social consequences. Overall, the sexual double standard reinforced traditional gender roles and maintained stereotypes about men and women's roles in society.