Perceptions of virginity
Type “virginity” into the Google search bar. It will be defined as “the state of never having had sexual intercourse.”
Below that will be different articles about what virginity is, resources and advice, among other things. Now scroll to the bottom of the webpage.
Related searches revolve around what the right age to lose virginity is, physical signs of lost virginity and how to check if a girl is a virgin.
Where does virginity come from?
According to allthatsintersting.com, one of the first known concepts of virginity comes from Greek mythology in reference to the goddesses Athena and Artemis. Virgins were “free women,” with no connection to men or sex.
Athena represented wisdom, courage and justice, being known for never taking a lover or marrying. Artemis historically is the goddess of the hunt, known for protecting young girls and aiding women in childbirth.
History continued to represent virginity in various symbolic ways. In Roman society, Vestal Virgins were sacred in society, having more rights than other female citizens.
In biblical history, it is seen that Virgin Mary’s “virginity” is a translation error and serves as a reflection of her age and gender.
These are just a few examples of how virginity was originally viewed. Popular culture and religion are largely the influence on virginity’s skewed meaning.
What is virginity to college students?
In a survey of 94 local college students, there were various definitions of virginity. The majority of respondents believe that virginity can be defined as the first time someone has consensual sex.
A large number of respondents also noted that the concept of virginity is up to individual interpretation, implying that there is no universal definition for what it means.
“I honestly think virginity is a social concept that is highly sexualized or sexist,” an anonymous respondent wrote. “I think it’s this thing that women specifically are meant to [be] looked at as ‘sacred and treasured.'” Read More…
