Gunter Runkel, Lüneburg:Die Entwicklung von Sexualität und LiebeDeutscher Abstract-Text fehlt noch.Englischer Text: The development of sexuality is part of the evolution of societies. The development of sexuality in modernity is closely related to the process of self-reference. At the beginning of the functionally differentiated society, sexuality became increasingly separated into the function of desire and the reproduction function. The attempt to merge these two functions into the complex of romantic love by the bourgeoisie of the 19th century became problematical under the aspect of an increasing self-reference and indifference. The further development of sexuality is directed towards self-reference. Sexuality as 'real asset' of love has been incorporated into partnership. This has led to added difficulties in the achievement of sexual fulfilment. New demands have been made of sexuality in modernity relating to the right to experience orgasm. The future of sexuality can be conceived of as a prolongation of the process of the development towards self-reference, which is connected to modernity. The result of this process in parts of Europe has been the development of the one-parent family, which in turn leads to other problems, for example, in the socialisation of the children and the economic security of this type of family. With regard to the increasing development of self-reference, a new, related problem appears in the form of anxiety about a way of life which is dominated by the self. This shows itself, among other ways, as the perception of personal health as by far the highest value in life. The connection of health and sexuality can also be seen in the growing significance of fitness studios and beauty farms, which are sought out in increasing numbers by both men and women in order to perfect their bodies. Sexual behaviour in advertising, particularly when targeted at the sexually active part of the population, is determined by a strong emphasis on body culture. Fitness and beauty are used as distinguishing features in order to achieve sexual success. Modern sexuality is formed and decentralised. Freed from the confines of reproduction, woman in particular are now able to experience sexuality as a source of pleasure. The pattern of sexual emancipation is conceived of as a link between a formed sexuality and the reflexive process of the self. In modernity, fulfilled sexuality has become autonomous and is freed from its inevitable connection to reproduction, kinship and the succession of the generations. However, it is now burdened with new demands (e.g. the expectation of orgasm). Contrary tendencies of a freer development of sexuality are seen in the public display of the sexual, particularly in forms which were hitherto considered abnormal and which are today included in the discourse on normality. Especially the endless talk shows shown on weekdays on private television are a sign of the ceaseless topicality of sexuality. A ' regime of knowledge and truth' has developed which by way of new forms of the confessional aims to release a truth discourse on sexuality. In modernity a stronger preoccupation with the body has emerged as released from its metaphysical context and considered as last instance. This leads to an increase in the significance of the relationship between sexuality and body, as sexuality must also be considered under the aspect of risk and of anxiety about the self.
Zur Person: |
