Virginity? Why bother with gender equality when we can just reduce women to their sexual experience and call it a day? Or What’s the point of having a society that values purity and innocence, when we can just shame and slut-shame women for having sex? Well, of course, I’m being facetious – but only to highlight the ridiculousness of our current societal norms. Sarcasm aside, the reality is that women’s bodies and sexuality have been policed and shamed for far too long.
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The concept of virginity is a social and cultural construct, perpetuated by a complex web of cultural, religious, and societal forces that have evolved over time, defining our understanding of sexuality, purity, and identity. This construct has been used to control and regulate individuals’ bodies, sexuality, and behaviour, inflicting harmful gender stereotypes, double standards, and marginalisation.
The origins of virginity can be traced back to ancient cultures, where it was often associated with religious and spiritual beliefs. In many societies, virginity was seen as a symbol of purity, innocence, and spiritual devotion. For example, in ancient Greece, the goddess Athena was revered as a symbol of virginity and wisdom. Similarly, in Christianity, the Virgin Mary is revered as a symbol of purity and devotion.
However, this concept has been preserved and reinforced by patriarchal societies, upholding harmful gender stereotypes and double standards. Women’s virginity has been historically seen as a commodity, something to be preserved and protected until marriage. This has led to the stigmatisation of women’s sexuality, endangering their subjective choices of life. Women who have engaged in premarital sex have been shamed, ostracized, and even punished, while men have been praised for their sexual conquests.
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Again, the cultural construct of virginity also strengthens noxious gender binaries, upholding the idea that men are naturally sexual beings, while women are expected to be pure and chaste. This has led to the ‘branding’ or disapproval of women’s sexuality, which promotes in an obnoxious manner harmful gender representation and/or misrepresentation, and two-fold norms.
Similarly, Women who do not conform to these expectations are often labeled as “promiscuous” or “sluts,” while men who do not conform to traditional masculine norms are often labeled as “weak” or “emasculated.”
![virginity](https://insidesuccessnigeria.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/image-33.png)
Furthermore, the concept of virginity has been used to marginalise and stigmatise certain groups, including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and questioning (or queer) individuals, who have been historically excluded from the dominant discourse around sexuality and relationships. This, again, has overbearing mental bruises, and contributed to the erasure of queer identities and experiences. LGBTQ+ individuals have been pathologised, criminalised, and marginalised, with their sexuality and relationships being seen as “deviant” and “immoral.”
In addition, the concept of virginity has been used to perpetuate harmful and unrealistic beauty standards, with women’s bodies being seen as objects to be perfected and preserved. This has led to the objectification and commodification of women’s bodies, perpetuating harmful beauty standards and contributing to body dissatisfaction, low self-esteem, and mental health issues.
Moreover, the concept of virginity has been used to carry on degrading and oppressive power dynamics, with those who have power and privilege using it to control and regulate the bodies and sexuality of those who do not. This has caused continued systemic inequalities and contributed to a culture of oppression and discrimination.
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Therefore, the social and cultural construct of virginity is a complex and harmful concept that has been caused to linger by a range of cultural, religious, and societal forces. It is essential that we challenge and critically review this concept. This will  enhance a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of sexuality, purity, and identity. By doing so, we can work towards a more just and equitable society, where all individuals can express their sexuality and relationships in a safe and consensual manner, free from shame, stigma, and marginalisation.
Ultimately, we must work towards a society that values and respects for all individuals, regardless of their sexual experience, gender identity, or relationship status. Only then can we create a society that is truly just and equitable for all.Â
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At Inside Success Nigeria, we advocate very strongly against the act of commodification of women’s bodies. You can report to us today for a voice. Kindly subscribe to our website to read more related articles and follow us on Instagram @ InsideSuccessNigeria to get more details.
14 Comments
Women have always been perceived as they are, pure creatures who shouldn’t mess around with their virginity. However, your call for social justice is understood. I’m a traditional man and wouldn’t want the culture to change. Well, for my daughters, they have their lives to live. I wouldn’t want them to be stigmatized for nothing and commodified for nothing.
Nice thoughts, Daniel
So? I want to marry a virgin o. I understand your point, but, our mentality will take some time to be rebranded o. This concept has been with us.
This is your best expository article yet. I’m a woman and I can relate very well. The culture or religion makes it feel like if you’re not a virgin as a young lady, you’ve committed a heinous crime. What crime if I may ask? This madness must stop. They (men) use all sorts of narratives to make us (women) feel guilty. And I like the part where you mentioned that men do this and get away freely – “they praised for their sexual conquests”! What rubbish! While we lament in our cultural enclave! I’m even angry now.
Thank you.
Is it really a man’s world? Yes, I think it is. Events have proven this to be true. A case in hand is your exposition. Women accepted this role of being stigmatized even though they did it unconsciously. Men have so much celebrated Virgins and in fact, have idolized them. Therefore, women have been Commodified and objectified. Even as I write, I can say that I’d prefer a virgin in marriage to a big pussy ass! So, my preference has also created another version of the class. Can women really break out of this slavery?
You’re at it again. This topic will make women happy. However, the truth is that it’ll be difficult to change our mentality, it’s ingrained. Sorry to the ladies though, but congratulations to them because your piece tends to protect their interests. What’s cooking, Daniel? Is this a gift to someone? 😂
Wow! Unfortunately, I don’t know if I can accept your drive for social change! Women remain our toys, from the cradle to the boardroom. Virgins are held in high esteem. This concept will continue to resonate with men. However, most women might feel unsafe. It’ll be nice to have women be free.
We must give room for social reforms to create the atmosphere for inclusivity.
Thank you!
The choice is yours. However, no woman should be treated unfairly, simply because she isn’t a virgin. Thank you!
If culture tramples on the rights of individuals, then it’s not worthy to be upheld!
Thank you!
The thing about the generalisation of the superiority of masculinity is that the pro choice in an irrational and absurd manner.
It’s high we broke this sick mentality. It’s a culture and a sick one.
Thank you, Philip!
Thank you!
One of the most beautiful things in this life is to be true to oneself while upholding the principle of egalitarianism.
Women are beautiful creatures and must be allowed to express themself however they wish.
Thank you, Kunle. Your opinion is respected!
It’s just a shift in the narratives, nothing special. I hope to drive this topic into the hearts of men.
Thank you!
Your push for equality is clearly understood, but we need to restructure our minds. The problem is in the mind. We must learn to let women be! Maybe most of these acts are unintentional. Well, whatever we do, shaming a woman for what she chooses to be is a wrong thing to do.
Thank you, ISN!
THANK YOU, DANIEL!