Prostitution in Medieval Europe

The Victorian era, spanning from 1837 to 1901 during Queen Victoria's reign, is often characterized by its strict social mores and sexual repression. This period is marked by an intense emphasis on morality, modesty, and decorum, heavily influenced by religious and social expectations.

Key Points of Sexual Repression in the Victorian Era:

1. Strict Gender Roles:
  - Women were idealized as pure, modest, and domestic, with their primary roles being wives and mothers.
  - Men were expected to be strong, rational, and the primary breadwinners, but were also thought to possess uncontrollable sexual desires.

2. Moral and Religious Influence:
  - Christianity, particularly Protestantism, played a significant role in shaping sexual norms.
  - Sexual activity was deemed appropriate only within marriage and for procreation, not pleasure.

3. Social Codes and Etiquette:
  - Public display of affection and sexual expression were heavily censored.
  - Literature, art, and even clothing were regulated to avoid anything that could be considered sexually suggestive.

4. Medical and Scientific Views:
  - Sexual health was poorly understood, and many natural sexual behaviors were pathologized.
  - Masturbation was considered dangerous and morally corrupting, often linked to various physical and mental illnesses.

5. Censorship and Regulation:
  - Laws and policies were enacted to suppress obscenity. The Obscene Publications Act of 1857, for example, allowed for the prosecution of publishers of obscene material.
  - Sex education was virtually non-existent, and discussions about sex were taboo.

6. Double Standards:
  - There was a notable double standard between men and women regarding sexual behavior. Men’s sexual exploits were often overlooked or tolerated, whereas women faced severe social and personal consequences for similar behavior.

7. Undercurrents of Hypocrisy:
  - Despite the outward appearance of sexual repression, there were underground markets for pornography, brothels, and a thriving clandestine sexual culture.
  - The era saw the rise of figures like Charles Dickens and Thomas Hardy, who subtly critiqued the sexual mores of their time through literature.

In summary, the Victorian era's sexual repression was characterized by a complex web of religious, social, and medical beliefs that enforced a stringent code of conduct on sexual behavior, particularly for women. This repression was, however, often accompanied by a clandestine culture of sexual expression and hypocrisy.