The dilemma of de-tabooing
Society often debates whether taboos are necessary in the context of sexuality. “Sex needs taboos” is a term that represents the idea that forbidden things have a special attraction. Since the last third of the last century, the topic of sex has been increasingly de-tabooed and is now ubiquitous, in media, advertising, literature, and public discourse. However, this de-tabooing does not lead to increased sexual activity; on the contrary, it seems that the interest and desire for sex decreases.
The role of taboos in the sexual relationship
Historical developments of sexuality and its taboos
The continuous de-tabooization of sexuality has left clear traces in people’s relationship to their sexuality. Historically, especially when compared to the situation since the 1980s and 1990s, studies show that sexual activity in Germany is declining. A study by the University of Göttingen found that 17 percent of men and women in committed relationships surveyed had not had sexual intercourse during a four-week study period.
Such trends seem to suggest that the ubiquity of sex in the public sphere and the decline of taboos and prohibitions related to sexuality may influence sexual activity and interest.
The loss of the Forbidden Attraction
Experts such as researcher Peter Fiedler of the University of Heidelberg believe that the decline of traditional sexual morality and its associated prohibitions and sanctions is leading to a loss of interest and sexual activity. Fiedler believes that especially unfulfilled and often forbidden or taboo sexual desires and needs have a great driving force.
These restrictions and prohibitions seem to have contributed to the mutual attraction of the sexes and were essential to art forms such as literature and opera. It is argued that these taboos could be a necessary condition for a “culture of lusts”.
The effects of ubiquitous sexuality
The constant and omnipresent portrayal of sexuality in the media contributes to the loss of an important element of sexual pleasure and desire. Even if the public presentation of sexuality is less repressed and fewer neurotic phenomena occur due to conflicts between compliance with prohibition and sexual drive, problems with sexuality continue to be an issue of conflict.
Many external constraints have disappeared, but the internal constraints that people build up in private are still present. Sociology professor Reimer Gronemeyer emphasizes that erotic fantasy can no longer become action in the “hothouse sultriness of sexualized everyday life.” The constant presentation of the topic of sex in public leads to the fact that the passionate desires are dimmed.
Taboos as a necessary component of sexual dynamics
The dynamic between prohibition and desire in society’s sexual landscape shapes understandings of intimacy and desire. The concept of “sex needs taboos” reflects the theory that some secrecy and restriction can increase sexual desire. With the progressive de-tabooing of sexuality, desires and activities paradoxically do not seem to increase, but to decrease.
Evolution of sexual taboos and morals
Sexual de-tabooization and the evolution of sexual morality have played a central role in human history. The permissiveness that has taken hold since the last decades of the 20th century raises questions about the meaning and function of taboos in sexuality.
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Research and findings from different time periods indicate that despite more open attitudes toward sexuality and its practices, there has been a decline in sexual activity. The decline of sexual relationships and the question of its causes are discussed in numerous studies and scientific papers.
Sexuality in literature and the media
The steady penetration of sexuality into literature, media, and the arts has implications for the perception and practice of sexuality. The increased presence of sexual content in today’s society, in art, opera, and literature, has on the one hand contributed to a broadening of discourse, but also leads to the disappearance of the mysterious and the forbidden, which were once considered the driving forces of desire.
Paradoxically, the culture of lusts seems to be affected by the ubiquitous presentation of sexuality, causing saturation and consequent listlessness through constant confrontation with sexual representations.
Psychological and social dimensions
The removal of taboos and the constant visual and discursive confrontation with sexual issues lead to a variety of psychological and social challenges. The reduction of external and internal conflicts due to the lifting of prohibitions does not seem to lead to a more stress-free approach to sexuality. Rather, new forms of stress and constraint seem to be emerging within society, characterized by the excessive presence of sexual content and constant exposure to it.
The dilemma between sexual freedom and the alienation of desire is increasingly becoming the subject of psychological and sociological research.
Conclusion
The de-tabooing of sex has undoubtedly led to more open discourse and greater acceptance of different sexual orientations and practices. Nevertheless, it seems that “sex needs taboos” to maintain some attraction and interest in sexual activities. Confrontation with sexuality in all areas of public life can lead to a decrease in sexual activity and desire for sex, and the role of taboos in sexuality deserves thorough and nuanced consideration.
Source: n-tv
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