Puritans and Gay Identity

1. Describe the Puritan approach to sexual desire. What was the ideal of sexuality in Colonial America? How did people learn about sexuality? How did Colonial society deal with sexual "deviance" and what were the two main goals of regulating it?

The Puritans viewed sexual activity as a joy and duty within marriage with the purpose of procreation. They did not believe sexual activity was for physical gratification and, as a result, were opposed to masturbation and premarital sex. In fact, these acts were considered great crimes. Children learned that sexual activity was restricted to married couples at an early age and was strictly to take place in the family between the mother and father. Their parents instilled moral values that they would carry on into adulthood and take with them into their future relationships. In addition, they learned through observation and through hearing noises within the household.
When citizens were found to be having sex or indulging in activities that might lead to sexual activity they faced extreme consequences regulated by the judicial system in the town. Activities such as premarital sex, masturbation, etc. held great physical punishment and public humiliation. At times, these citizens were fined great sums of money and were ordered to repent for their sins. In extreme cases, capital punishment was seen as the only solution.

2. D'Emilio argues that the relationship between capitalism and the family is contradictory. Explain this argument and then summarize his argument about gay identity and capitalism. Do you agree? Why or why not?

D'Emilio argues that the homosexuality did not always exist and that gay men and lesbians are rooted in history as a result of capitalism. However, he argues that the relationship between capitalism and family is contradictory. First, capitalism pushes for the independence of the individual and advocates for gender identity and autonomy. On the other hand, in order for capitalism to work, workers are needed and in order to support this homophobia and heterosexuality is enforced. In addition, gay men and lesbians are pushed into families in order to procreate but capitalism allows them enough independence to live outside the family. This, in turn, allows for the continuous decline of the family which parralels the decline in birthrate. The family as an institution has changed and evolved from procreation to harvesting affection and love to their family members.