RHETOR 103B Chapter Notes - Chapter 7: Michel Foucault, Sexual Repression, Bourgeoisie
Document Summary
17th c: period when bodies made a display of themselves. Victorian bourgeoisie: sexuality carefully confined, silence became the rule. Couple imposed itself as the model, enforced the norm, safeguarded the truth and reserved the right to speak while retaining the principle of secrecy. Sexuality not only did not exist, but had no right to exist and would be made to disappear upon its manifestation whether in acts or words. Forced to make concessions if truly necessary to make room for illegitimate sexualities - reasoned that they could take this mischief elsewhere, a place they could reintegrated. Discourse on modern sexual repression is held up and protected by historical and political guarantee. Coincides with development of capitalism, integral part of bourgeois order. If sex was repressed, it was because it was incompatible with a general and intensive work imperative. Also speakers benefit: mere fact that one is speaking about it has the appearance of deliberate transgression .
