Modern Culture and Detabooisation of Romance
In many ways, it can seem as if romance hasn’t changed all that much over the centuries. A central plotline of Jane Austen’s 18th-century romantic novels was protagonists obsessing over prospective partners, chiming with the Netflix romcoms we’re watching today. But when we take a step back to consider an overview of romance in the early 21st century, we can see that modern culture has progressed in leaps and bounds. So many areas once thought of as taboo – same-sex marriage, polyamory, dominance and submission, swinging – have now become accepted. Even celebrated. Let’s take a closer look at that overview. How have romance and people’s personal lives changed in recent decades?
Personal happiness instead of social “norms”
Where romance was concerned, for a long time, society had fixed rules about what was and wasn’t acceptable. Much of these entrenched attitudes were a product of the strong influence of conservative institutions, especially the church. But this all began to change as science introduced concepts that began questioning, then replacing religious teachings. By the 20th century, sex equality laws and new legislation protecting the rights of the LGBT community were introduced. The emphasis switched to individual rights, and these became enshrined in United Nations charters. In short, in the Western world, at least, people had the right to express their sexuality without prejudice or discrimination.
Books, movies, and online communities normalize kinks
But the factor that has had the most widespread impact on the evolution of romance has been the explosion in Internet access. All sorts of outlets are now catering to what was once deemed minority interests or even ‘taboo’ topics. This normalization has led to a diversity of sexual behavior. Modern movies like Fifty Shades of Grey have brought BDSM (Bondage and discipline, dominance and submission, sadism and masochism) into the mainstream. Anyone wishing to explore the darker side of sensuality can search for dating sites for kinks and meet like-minded folks. Rather than anything seedy, they’d uncover a vibrant community where people from all walks of life can look into platforms for connecting with fellow enthusiasts. They can read reviews of various BDSM websites and apps, comparing everything from user-friendliness to the socializing features available. Now that personal preferences rather than ‘societal norms’ are the main driver, individuals can feel more liberated to explore different avenues.
Divorce is not a deadly sin anymore
As religious dogma has been replaced by more secular philosophies, human relationships have become far more flexible. Divorce, once considered a social taboo leading to stigmatization, is now viewed pragmatically. It’s an unfortunate aspect of life that relationships sometimes break down, with even previously happily-married couples reaching a stage where they drift apart. But rather than feeling forced to endure an unhappy and stressful situation, separation can be the most beneficial solution for both. In the past, marriage and starting families were considered something that younger people had to do. Advances in everything from employment opportunities to communication have introduced flexibility. Women especially might consider careers first and children second. Other females will be focused on following their natural genetic urges. The point is, now they have the choice.
Talking about your love life is healthier than holding problems to yourself
For too long, romance was tied up in a skewed bigger picture. People fretted about revealing their true feelings, particularly if they were from the LGBT community who felt they might be judged. Anyone with ‘unusual’ tastes, such as polyamory or BDSM, would feel less inclined to admit this. Thankfully, the contemporary climate is for individuals to feel empowered about discussing personal emotions and preferences. Those who are still reticent about their thoughts can find many online hubs, chat rooms, and forums where they are encouraged to be open, instantly feeling they are far from alone.
Evolution in the matters of sexuality and gender
There have been widespread societal shifts where gender equality is concerned. Sexuality and gender are no longer rigid concepts. People can be drawn to all sorts of sexual partners, and these feelings can evolve. Everything from bi-curiosity to gender transition is catered for. As mentioned, legislation is now in force to protect these basic human rights. Where matters of the heart are concerned, everyone should now feel free to follow wherever their desires take them.
In explaining how far modern culture has evolved regarding attitudes to romance, we’ve covered many bases. An equally important aspect is how individuals can feel empowered to make the most of their love lives. We are encouraged to be open to new experiences and avoid being judgmental about others. But we should also take the time to focus on ourselves, especially where our overall health is concerned. Thinking of ways to improve your physical and mental well-being will be so beneficial to your general outlook on life, especially your relationships.
