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Sexualität als Thema einer Sozialgeschichte der Medizin – Kommentare zur Jahrestagung 2018 „Konzepte sexueller Gesundheit vom Mittelalter bis zum 21. Jahrhundert“

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: The medical relevance of human sexuality differed greatly over time. While the antique concept of humoral pathology explained the importance of dietetically moderated “lust” with its physiological relevance to health, especially psychiatrically oriented concepts of “sexuality” since the late 18th century concentrated on “ailments” such as “onanism” and “homosexuality”. Deviant sexual behaviour was considered a sign of societal “degeneration”. In democratic societies, “sexual liberation” has only gained ground since the end of the 20th century. However, recent scandals on sexual assault and abuse show the ambivalent circumstances men and women, children and adults are confronted with. Michel Foucault’s studies on the history of sexuality gave valuable theoretical stimuli; yet further research in the field should focus on the history of everyday life, geographically and culturally reaching beyond Europe. Future research should therefore pay more attention to the medical history of sexuality, in order to contribute to interdisciplinary as well as social historical analyses.

Source: VIRUS - Beiträge zur Sozialgeschichte der Medizin

DOI: 10.1553/virus18s285

Author: Christina Vanja

Institution: Leipzig University

Language: German

Topic: Historical Studies on Reproduction, Gender, Health, and Societal Changes

Subfield: History

Field: Arts and Humanities

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W3135079547