Purity Myth Summary

In the present day women’s identities in the media, school, and job institutions are consistently changing in the sense that they are adapting and readapting to the divergence of times and the new societal norms that society is accepting. Also, in society women’s identities are socially constructed under the rigid influence of men and standards that are branding women. Even more so, the concept of whether or not virginity is a determinant factor that decides if women are pure or not is a question that is still trying to be answered. In Jessica Valenti’s Purity Myth: How Americas Obsession with Virginity is Hurting Young Women she makes a substantial point that the perception of virginity is being used to tie down young girls as a determinant …show more content…
This in fact brings in the argument of what loosing virginity is, which could be broadly defined as being penetrated, having an orgasm, or having oral sex. The definition of what being a virgin is so extensive that it is difficult to comprehend why society is so consumed with its concept. Even more so in regards to men the concept of virginity is not seen as self-defining because with men virginity is seen as a myth and a non-determinant factor to their identity. For example in movies it is standard for the father of the household to be stern with their daughters around sex but on the other hand fathers often encourage promiscuous sexual activity for their sons by giving them condoms as they go off to university. Coincidently women who are seeking birth control have the reputation that she is active sexually or promiscuous. Whereas, if a man went out and bought a pack of condoms they would be congratulated or even encouraged by other people, this contrast displays the clear line between women’s socially constructed identities regarding the concept of virginity and the issues that are arising from