The exact point in history when humans "started" mating purely for pleasure is difficult to pinpoint, but the 1960s are identified as a period where this behavior became more openly accepted and widespread.
While the question implies a specific starting date, it's more accurate to view the shift towards mating for pleasure as a gradual, evolving process influenced by cultural, social, and technological factors.
Here's a breakdown of the complexities involved:
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Prehistoric Times: It's likely that humans, like many other species, have always experienced pleasure from sexual activity. However, the primary drive was probably reproduction. Cultural norms and taboos would have heavily influenced expressions of sexuality.
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Historical Context: Throughout much of recorded history, societal norms often linked sex primarily with procreation, particularly within marriage. Attitudes toward sex outside of procreation varied across cultures and time periods, often being suppressed or viewed with suspicion.
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The Shift: The 20th century saw significant changes in attitudes toward sex, driven by:
- The invention of reliable contraception: This separated sex from procreation, providing more freedom for individuals to engage in sexual activity for pleasure without the fear of unwanted pregnancies.
- Changing social and cultural norms: The sexual revolution of the 1960s challenged traditional views on sexuality, leading to greater openness and acceptance of sex for pleasure.
- Increased awareness of female sexuality: A greater understanding of female pleasure and a push for female sexual liberation contributed to the shift.
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Continued Evolution: The trend of openly seeking out sex for pleasure has continued into the 21st century, further shaped by advancements in technology (like online dating and pornography) and evolving social attitudes.
| Era | Dominant View of Sex | Contributing Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Prehistoric | Primarily for procreation; influenced by tribal norms. | Biological imperative, early social structures. |
| Historical | Often linked to procreation, especially within marriage. | Religious beliefs, social hierarchies, lack of contraception. |
| 20th Century (mid) | Shift toward acceptance of sex for pleasure. | Contraception, social revolution, increased female agency. |
| 21st Century | Increasingly open and diverse attitudes toward sex. | Technology, evolving social norms, increased sex education. |
In conclusion, while humans likely experienced pleasure from sex throughout history, the 1960s mark a period where societal attitudes shifted significantly, leading to a more open and widespread acceptance of mating for pleasure as a legitimate and desirable activity.
