Beyond the Bedroom A Look at Sexual Culture
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The Portrayal of Sexual Culture in Television
The culture of sex has been vividly portrayed in television since the 1950s. It is often used to raise ratings and draw in viewers. It’s no surprise that the way sex is portrayed on television has evolved over the years.
The 1950s
In the 1950s, sex was rarely shown on television. The only sex-related issues discussed were focused on moral messages. At this time, these messages about sexual conduct generally included the following:
- Premarital sex was wrong
- Heterosexuality was the norm
- A woman’s main goal should be to get married
- Sexual relations were to be conducted within the bounds of marriage
The 1960s and 1970s
During the 1960s and 70s, television began to focus on more controversial issues. This included homosexuality, premarital sex, and contraception. These topics were often mixed in with themes of romance and love.
The 1980s and 1990s
In the 1980s and 90s, sex was increasingly used to attract viewers. Television began to focus on more risqué themes and storylines. These included explicit sexual encounters, as well as a focus on more physical and emotionally intense relationships.
Today
Today, sex is often used to both entertain and educate viewers. TV shows emphasize that sex can be non-judgmental, consensual, and fun. More importantly, they are teaching viewers about healthy boundaries and the importance of communication in relationships.
In conclusion, the way sex is portrayed on television has significantly changed since the 1950s. What was once a taboo topic is now portrayed as something that can be enjoyed by both parties, as long as it is done responsibly. This is an important shift that is setting a new standard for how we view and talk about sexual relationships.