Betwixt The Sheets: The History of Sex, Scandal & Society
Sex: The Medieval Rules
Oct 3, 2023
Medieval historian Eleanor Janega joins the podcast to discuss the kinky myths and beliefs surrounding sex in the medieval period. They debunk the chastity belt myth, explore the strict rules imposed by the church, examine consequences of affairs, and delve into gender dynamics and queer communities. They also discuss methods of family planning and express gratitude for being on the podcast.
42:56
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Quick takeaways
- Contrary to popular belief, the medieval period had more sexually permissive attitudes than expected, with literature such as Chaucer's works depicting humorous and pleasurable experiences of sex.
- The myth of medieval women wearing chastity belts originated in the Victorian era, projecting their own repression onto medieval times, as there is no historical evidence of such belts being used during the medieval period.
Deep dives
Medieval attitudes towards sex were more sexually permissive than commonly assumed
Contrary to popular belief, the medieval period had more sexually permissive attitudes than expected. While the Victorian era often portrayed the period as repressive, medieval people were actually more open, vocal, and enjoyed sex. This can be seen in literature, such as Chaucer's works, which depicted humorous and pleasurable experiences of sex. However, it's important to note that attitudes varied across Europe and throughout the medieval period itself.
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