“It is an infantile superstition of the human spirit that virginity would be thought a virtue and not the barrier that separates ignorance from knowledge.”
— Voltaire
The concept of virginity is deeply entrenched in societal norms and historical perspectives, yet often misunderstood. Voltaire’s quote highlights a critical point: is virginity truly a virtue, or is it a construct that obscures understanding and knowledge? This question invites us to delve into the multifaceted nature of virginity, exploring its definitions, historical context, and the pervasive myths that surround it.
Historically, the notion of virginity, particularly for women, has been less about personal virtue and more about societal control and perceived purity. As Friedrich Von Schlegel noted, “Prudishness is pretence of innocence without innocence. Women have to remain prudish as long as men are sentimental, dense, and evil enough to demand of them eternal innocence and lack of education. For innocence is the only thing which can ennoble lack of education.” This quote underscores how the demand for female virginity is often intertwined with societal expectations of innocence and a lack of worldly experience, potentially limiting women’s roles and freedoms.
Simone de Beauvoir further elaborates on this in The Second Sex: “It is not because it symbolises feminine virginity that integrity fascinates man; but it is his admiration for integrity that renders virginity precious.” Here, de Beauvoir suggests that the value placed on virginity is not inherent but rather a reflection of societal admiration for integrity, which is then projected onto the concept of virginity, particularly female virginity.
The idea of virginity as a representation of integrity stems from a historical tendency, predominantly in patriarchal societies, to view women as property or resources to be guarded and controlled. This perspective, while outdated and harmful, has shaped the perception of virginity as a prized asset, especially for women. In societies that highly value female virginity, relinquishing it is often framed as the “greatest gift a woman can give a man,” an act laden with societal implications and expectations. This act of “giving up” virginity, especially in contexts where it is not a truly free choice, places women in a precarious position within the virgin/whore or Madonna/whore dichotomy, impacting their social status and perception.
In contrast to these complex societal constructs surrounding female virginity, the perspective on male virginity has often been different. Saint Augustine of Hippo’s candid and relatable quote, “Grant me chastity and continence, but not yet,” offers a starkly contrasting, self-aware statement on male sexuality. It highlights a more lenient societal expectation for men, where the pressure to remain virgins is often less pronounced.
Debunking the Myths: The Hymen and the Physical Aspect of Virginity
Beyond the social and historical constructs, the concept of virginity is often mistakenly linked to physical markers, primarily the hymen. Common folklore and misconceptions suggest that the hymen is a membrane that completely covers the vagina and is definitively broken during first sexual intercourse. However, medical understanding presents a different picture.
The hymen is not a covering of the entire vagina; if it were, menstruation would be impossible. Instead, it is an elastic membrane with an opening. Furthermore, in many women, the hymen is quite elastic and may not tear or significantly change during sexual intercourse. It can also be affected by activities other than sexual intercourse, such as exercise or tampon use. Resources like Psychology Today and the Wikipedia page on the hymen provide further insights into the actual medical facts surrounding the hymen and its often misunderstood role.
The historical inaccuracies and limited medical knowledge surrounding the hymen have significantly contributed to the societal emphasis on physical virginity as an indicator of moral purity or sexual inexperience. In times when scientific understanding of female anatomy and reproduction was limited, and when women lacked societal power to challenge these notions, ungrounded ideas about “purity” and its physical indicators gained traction. These ideas were reinforced by power structures that often objectified women and controlled their sexuality.
Virginity: Beyond the Physical and Towards a Broader Understanding
Ultimately, defining “What Is Virginity” requires moving beyond simplistic physical definitions and acknowledging its complex social, historical, and personal dimensions. Virginity, in its most meaningful sense, might be better understood as a state of sexual inexperience rather than solely the physical intactness of the hymen.
The societal obsession with virginity, particularly female virginity, has historically served to control women’s sexuality and social roles. As we move towards a more informed and equitable understanding of sexuality, it’s crucial to dismantle the myths and harmful expectations associated with virginity. Recognizing virginity as a social construct, deeply influenced by historical power dynamics and misconceptions about the female body, allows for a more nuanced and respectful approach to discussions about sex, relationships, and personal choices. True integrity and virtue are not defined by virginity, but by character, respect, and informed choices made with autonomy and understanding.
