Sexual Practices and Attitudes Flashcards
In Aeschines’ Against Timarchus, what is the charge against Timarchus?
prostitution but not the fact it was homosexual
What appears to have been the Spartan’s beliefs on homosexuality? Pederasty?
distain of homosexual activity as it was an act of excess and pleasure
seemingly accepting of pederasty on the basis that it was educational
What does Foucault argue was the defining social characteristic defining societal attitude around homosexuality?
social status was more important than gender of the lover
What suggests a taboo or lack of awareness around female homosexuality in ancient greece?
lack of depictions of female homosexuality and references in literature especially absent in comp to that of men
In what contexts are homosexual women referred to in lit?
Plutach life of lycurgus refers to gay women in Sparta
with respect to Lesbos’ women and sappho in particular (though her sexuality was and still is v debated)
What was allowed in Roman homosexuality? Not allowed - why?
homosexual sex with boy slaves or prostitutes
Homosexual sex with citizen boys because that was seen as ruining his social reputation by penetration and essentially taking on the woman’s position.
What is continuous in roman homosexuality from Greek practice?
What differs?
dom/pass roles
links with societal role, anxieties, and values
female homosexuality absent
—–
NO PEDERASTY
but could have sex w boy/girl lower in status
appears to be some more negatively construed terms in R
What is the theme of Foucault’s exploration into ancient sexuality? Significance?
Problematizations of sexual practice; how sex is talked about and perceived.
This is the distinguishing element of sexuality between cultures - sexual practice changes far less.
What does Foucault assert as to the importance of studying sexuality? Term for this?
The problematizations of particular practices that are specific to societies are indicative of social structures and expectations of that society on a broader scale.
Isomorphism (two seperate but converging things)
What is Foucault’s main G source?
Against Timarchus by Aeschines - case claiming Timarchus was unfit for public life due to immoral behaviour including on a charge of prostituting himself.
What was the problem with Timarchos’ sexual practices?
being paid for sex NOT the homosexuality
What was Aeschines’ speech Against Timarchos motivated by?
Element of vengence against timarchos who, alongside Demosthenes, had accused him of High Treason after trying to make peace w Macedonians.
Why does Foucault not address female homosexuality?
Lack of ‘sex talk’ in the sources thus does not apply to his main theme. Attitudes around this sexuality are not clear and thus cannot be adressed by F (?)
What sexual practice does Lysias draw on in Against Simon? Why?
Simon is an old man living with a young boy for sexual/romantic pleasure.
He was overcome with desire for this boy, and he was of an age to have a wife and be living with HER.
How did Foucault understand G homosexuality?
a ‘schema of penetration and male domination’
What does Foucault identify as a major problematization in G homosexuality?
Homosexuality itself was not a problem but being the ‘object of pleasure’ and the passive party in penetration was problematic for that individual.
In medical writings and other genres, what does Foucault identify as ‘a very ancient fear’?
over indulgence of sexual activities
