Sociology

The concept of sex, the difference in sexes, the sex organs, and the sexual act in itself are just some of the topics concerning sex which have often been considered as forbidden in the earlier times.  This predominant idea -- which is referred to as the repressive hypothesis (Foucault 197810) -- came about in the 17h century, where reference to said concerns was limited to the confines of the bedroom, and strictly for husband-and-wife consumption only.  Foucault, however, counters this hypothesis in that, he claims, that the 18th century saw more of the unfettered and growing interest on the subject of sex, especially when individual confessions were made compulsory.  Because they were exposed to more knowledge on each individuals sexual activities, priests were placed on pedestals.  A correspondingly increased attention to cases of sexual perversion, homosexuality, rape and incest among other things was also immediately noticeable.  The practice of confession became an essential part of studying and analyzing an individual, and it revealed much of the persons character.  For this reason, the 19th century ushered in an increased awareness of sex as essential knowledge, and that somehow, this knowledge was interconnected with power (Foucault 197894). 

Foucault then gave an extensive discussion of power, what it is not, where it comes from, and thereupon proposes four rules relating power to sex (197898).  With the increasing number of cases related to sexual perversions and the belief that these were passed on between generations, the bourgeoisie insisted on practicing more stringent measures to preserve their hereditary nobility.  Initially, greater weight was placed on the exacting of sanctions to those who have transgressed, but later on, the knowledge of sex was given more emphasis due to the indisputable power which came with it.  Foucault avers that the right of death was inevitably replaced by the power over life which in contemporary times meant the concept of sex. 

As an introduction to a 3-volume series, the books main objective is to trace the beginnings of the idea of sexuality from the early times up to the present.  Intended for the collegiate level, this theoretical prologue attempts to uncover the underlying correlation and interplay between sexuality, Christianity and power.  This source is a scholarly, intense and evocative composition which endeavors to shed light on the notion of sexuality and the peculiar interest with which numerous theorists dealt with the subject during a period when supposedly more conservative views were upheld. 

Not much research has been done on the topic of sexuality, per se, because assumptions about the personal motives of sex researchers often result in sexuality research being stigmatized (Wiederman, 20063).  It is worth noting that most often, people assume that when a researcher takes on a certain topic about sex, heshe has a personal motive for doing so, which  more often than not -- is not really the case.  Other references which have been published dealt mostly with the pragmatic aspect of sex, sexual relations and the sexual act, but Foucault tackles more on the theoretical viewpoint and makes an in-depth analyses out of the conclusions arrived at.  This novel is basically a discourse  a compilation of philosophical and sociological thoughts and assumptions based on historical findings.  Reading through the book would make one imagine a setting where scholars were gathered and the author were on a podium making his speech. 

Foucault made use of Historical Research or Historiography as the main qualitative method in presenting this book.  Interspersed in its pages are historical allusions, analyses, answers to questions, statements of implications and rationalizations among other things.  As the novel unfolds, the reader is transported back in time as the settings are described, the atmosphere is depicted, and quotations from historical figures come alive.  Foucault made use of previously published materials by authorities in the field like Freud, Marx and Ligouri, though only sparingly, as his assessments underscored the ease with which he delivered this discourse.  In terms of clarity, the ideas are presented lucidly, systematically and with transitional paragraphs to introduce succeeding chapters.  The approach used by the author in presenting the book is, on the whole, philosophical, and as such, is not easily comprehensible to someone who has not been exposed to such writing style.  Nevertheless, underpinning such approach is material that is substantial, noteworthy and illuminating to the subject of sexualitys history. 

Early Christians used the Bible to repress sexuality, ignoring ways the Bible did not fit such a program (Carr, 200312), meaning, all issues which were directly or indirectly referring to sex had to be downplayed or utterly removed.  This supports Foucaults contention pertaining to the repression hypothesis which the author describes as  modern prudishness was able to ensure that one did not speak of sex (Foucault, 197817) -- an atmosphere which deliberately ignored the controversial topic as taboo or censored.  I think that this notion about sex has already evolved and should no longer be tolerated because these views are part of the old-school beliefs on sex.  Furthermore, in this age of information, censorship is already part of ancient history, due to the availability of knowledge from numerous and varied sources.       

The above mentality was further reinforced by Lewis when he said  Humans can and must control their sexuality in ways that other animals cannot, in order to reach the Divine (2006229), denoting that those who could not be placed under the control of the Christian doctrines were considered as animals or unworthy beings.  Man was thus subjugated to a lowly status of a sub-human when heshe did not conform to the rules.  The manner of manipulating humans in the early times is extremely repulsive since all sorts of ideas were fed to the peoples minds just so the authorities could control the sexual pursuits of the populace.   

Since the 19th century, educators and doctors combated childrens onanism like an epidemic that needed to be eradicated (Foucault, 197842).  Onanism refers to the act of masturbation.  The childs unacceptable behavior can be traced back to hisher family as well as hisher teachers, and such misconduct may be heavily sanctioned.  In the present times, when Freuds theories of childhood sexuality have come to be accepted, this behavior of children is no longer frowned at but can be viewed as a means by which children learn about sexuality and their bodies (Kilmer and Shahinfar, 200648).  Sex and the act of masturbation are now regarded as a normal part of mans daily life. 

With regards to the concept of homosexuality, Carr contends that the Bible condemns all forms of premarital or extramarital sex and all forms of homosexual sex(200349).  Said statement is compatible to what Foucault proposes in his book where he refers to the homosexual as a sodomite, whom he describes as a certain way of inverting the masculine and feminine in oneself (Foucault, 197843).  The rejection of homosexuality, much like onanism, evolved to become accepted in modern times, in terms of attitudes, levels of approval of homosexuality rose notably during 19922000 (Davis et al., 2003 Laumann et al., 1994 Smith, 1994 cited by Smith 2006110).  Homosexuality in the present times is now widely accepted, and although more openness is still possible, it has reached a level where civility among the straight and the homosexual sexes has become unobjectionable.

In conclusion, Michel Foucaults work was able to go beyond what most other contemporary pieces would focus on like the evolution of sexual practices, the biological side of sex or the sensuality of the act itself.  I particularly liked the way Foucault was able to present the subject of sex in a profound, interesting, somewhat complex and certainly enlightening sort of way, where sex is not merely equated with the sexual act, but is seen as a topic which can be studied in-depth and against a specific historical background.  This novel is an indispensable masterpiece which should be considered by anyone who endeavors to delve into the subject of sexuality.