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
