Narrative Summary of Studies in the Psychology of Sex, Volume 6

Overview:

In this volume, Havelock Ellis examines the intertwining of the sexual impulse with societal structures and traditions. He argues that we are influenced by both our innate biological drives and the history of our culture, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that respects both. He dives into the importance of motherhood and proper sexual education for children, exploring the history and dynamics of prostitution and the need for reform. The volume culminates in a discussion of marriage, arguing for a shift away from rigid, contractual models and towards a more flexible, individualistic approach based on mutual love and responsibility.

Main Parts:

Motherhood: This section highlights the supreme role of the mother in the life of the child and the importance of rest and proper hygiene for pregnant women. The need for mothers to breastfeed is emphasized, and Ellis advocates for social support and policies that protect both mothers and infants.
Sexual Education: Ellis argues that sexual education must begin early in childhood and should be primarily a task for the mother, but that the school has a role to play as well. The need for a natural, frank approach that dispels harmful myths is stressed, and Ellis explores various aspects of sexual hygiene, including menstrual hygiene and the importance of physical activity for women.
The Valuation of Sexual Love: This section examines the cultural and religious influences that have shaped our understanding of sexual love. Ellis critiques the negative, often misogynistic view prevalent in Western culture and advocates for recognizing the beauty and spiritual significance of the sexual impulse.
The Function of Chastity: Ellis argues that chastity is a virtue that is essential to the dignity of love and is not merely a matter of abstinence. He explores the history of chastity, contrasting the stern and often harmful forms of Christian asceticism with the more wholesome and practical approaches found in some cultures.
The Problem of Sexual Abstinence: This section analyzes the various opinions on the effects of sexual abstinence, ranging from those who advocate it unconditionally to those who see it as harmful. Ellis critiques the purely negative conception of abstinence and argues for a more balanced perspective that acknowledges the need for a healthy and fulfilling sexual life.
Prostitution: The volume delves into the history of prostitution, tracing its origins from sacred prostitution in ancient civilizations to the complexities of modern-day prostitution. Ellis critiques the harmful effects of both repression and regulation of prostitution, arguing that the only path towards reform lies in a more humane approach to the sexual lives of women.
The Conquest of the Venereal Diseases: Ellis examines the history, prevalence, and impact of venereal diseases, emphasizing the need for an open and honest approach to the subject. He highlights the Scandinavian model of combating these diseases as an example of a more effective approach than traditional methods of regulating prostitution.
Sexual Morality: This section addresses the shifting sands of sexual morality in Western culture. Ellis examines the influence of religious, legal, and economic factors on our understanding of morality. He argues for the development of a more flexible and responsible approach that recognizes the right of individuals to make their own choices and embrace personal responsibility.
Marriage: This section delves into the evolution of the marriage system, from ancient Roman conceptions of marriage as a contract to the more rigid models of the Church and modern legal frameworks. Ellis advocates for a fundamental shift towards a more natural and humane form of marriage based on individual freedom and mutual love, recognizing the need for greater flexibility and an easier dissolution of marriages that fail to meet the needs of both partners.
The Art of Love: Ellis discusses the importance of the art of love in achieving a fulfilling and lasting marriage. He critiques the prevailing ignorance and prejudices surrounding sex and emphasizes the need for a more nuanced and sophisticated approach to understanding and expressing sexual desire.
The Science of Procreation: The volume concludes with an examination of the science of procreation and the growing movement towards eugenics. Ellis argues that the control of procreation, whether through preventing conception or other means, must be exercised responsibly and with due consideration for the well-being of the individual, the family, and society.

View on Life:

Naturalism: Ellis believes in the importance of understanding and honoring our natural impulses, emphasizing a balance between the physical and the spiritual.
Individualism: He advocates for greater autonomy and freedom for individuals in making decisions about their lives and relationships.
Humanitarianism: Ellis is deeply concerned with the well-being of individuals and society as a whole, advocating for reforms that lessen human suffering and promote a more just and equitable world.
Socialism: Ellis recognizes the need for social change and supports policies that provide for the needs of individuals and protect the vulnerable.

Scenarios:

A mother working in a factory during pregnancy. Ellis describes the economic pressures that often force women to work during pregnancy, despite the negative impacts on their health and that of their unborn child.
A child asking questions about the origin of babies. Ellis argues that such questions should be answered honestly and openly to help dispel the harmful myths surrounding sexuality.
A couple struggling with the difficulties of sexual abstinence. Ellis examines the various perspectives on the potential benefits and harms of abstinence, advocating for a more balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being of both partners.
A woman seeking a “life of pleasure” as a prostitute. Ellis explores the complex factors that lead women to prostitution, including poverty, lack of social opportunities, and a desire for excitement and escape from a monotonous life.
A married man seeking sexual gratification outside marriage. Ellis discusses the various reasons why men might turn to prostitution, including dissatisfaction with their marriages and sexual perversions.
A young couple navigating the complexities of love and marriage. Ellis emphasizes the importance of communication, mutual understanding, and respect in establishing a fulfilling and lasting relationship.
A family torn apart by divorce. Ellis advocates for a more humane and compassionate approach to divorce that prioritizes the well-being of all parties involved, particularly the children.

Challenges:

Overcoming the traditional, often harmful, views surrounding sexuality and the female body.
Implementing effective and ethical policies for combating venereal diseases.
Reforming marriage laws to align them with the changing realities of sexual morality and individual responsibility.
Addressing the economic pressures that force women into difficult choices.
Encouraging the adoption of eugenic principles without resorting to coercion.

Conflict:

The conflict between individual freedom and societal expectations in sexual relationships.
The clash between religious and traditional values and the need for a more rational and scientific approach to sexual health.
The tension between the needs of the individual and the needs of society in relation to procreation.

Plot:

This work is not a fictional narrative, but rather a collection of essays that explores themes and ideas related to the psychology of sex within society. There is no overarching plot, but each chapter presents a distinct argument or analysis of a particular issue.

Point of View:

Ellis presents a largely objective, though occasionally subjective, point of view, drawing on his extensive research and observations. His perspectives are shaped by a commitment to scientific accuracy, a deep understanding of the history of sexual morality, and a desire for social reform. While he does not shy away from expressing his own opinions, he strives to present the complexities of the topics at hand in a balanced and informed manner.

How It’s Written:

Ellis writes in a clear, concise, and engaging style. His writing is informed by scientific data and sociological research, but he also incorporates literary references and historical anecdotes to illustrate his points and make his arguments more compelling. He frequently uses direct quotes from other writers and researchers, giving a voice to a diverse range of opinions.

Tone:

The tone of the text is primarily informative and analytical, but also at times passionate and even indignant. Ellis writes with a sense of urgency about the need for social change and a more enlightened approach to sexual morality. He is critical of harmful traditions and outdated social institutions, but his critique is not polemical or overly judgmental. He advocates for reform with a sense of optimism and faith in the ability of individuals and society to embrace a more humane and responsible approach to sexual relationships.

Life choices:

Choosing a partner based on mutual love and shared values.
Choosing to have children, or not, based on a conscious understanding of personal and social responsibilities.
Making choices about sexual expression that are informed by both desire and responsibility.

Lessons:

Understanding the complexities of sexuality is essential to creating a more just and equitable society.
Open and honest dialogue about sex and sexuality is crucial to dismantling harmful taboos and promoting healthy relationships.
Individuals have a responsibility to make choices about their sexual lives that are both fulfilling and responsible.
The pursuit of a healthy and fulfilling sexual life is an art that requires knowledge, skill, and empathy.
The future of humanity depends on a conscious and responsible approach to procreation.

Characters:

While Ellis does not present fictional characters, he draws on historical figures and real individuals as examples to illustrate his points. These individuals include:

Mothers: Ellis presents the stories of various mothers, both those who are forced to work during pregnancy and those who are able to devote themselves fully to their children.
Children: He discusses the need for mothers to answer their children’s questions about sexuality in a natural and honest manner.
Prostitutes: Ellis explores the lives and experiences of prostitutes from different cultures and historical periods, highlighting their struggles and the societal pressures they face.
Missionaries: He critiques the often negative impact of missionaries in imposing their own morality on other cultures.
Doctors: Ellis discusses the role of doctors in providing sexual education, combating venereal diseases, and advising patients on matters of sexual health.

Themes:

The evolution of sexual morality: Ellis charts the shift from ancient traditions and religious dogma to a more modern emphasis on individual freedom and responsibility.
The power of knowledge: He argues that a greater understanding of sexuality is essential to overcoming harmful prejudices and promoting healthy relationships.
The importance of personal responsibility: Ellis emphasizes the need for individuals to make conscious and informed choices about their sexual lives and to take responsibility for their actions.
The significance of motherhood: He explores the essential role of mothers in the well-being of the child and the society as a whole.
The potential for social reform: Ellis expresses a strong belief in the ability of individuals and society to achieve positive change in the realm of sexual morality.

Principles:

The sexual impulse is a fundamental and natural part of human life.
Respect for the individual’s autonomy and freedom of choice is essential to creating a just and equitable society.
The right to procreate is a privilege that must be exercised responsibly.
A healthy sexual life is a vital aspect of personal and social well-being.

Intentions:

Ellis’ intentions are to challenge outdated views on sexuality and to promote a more enlightened and humane approach to sexual morality.
He aims to educate readers about the complexities of the sexual impulse, both from a scientific and a social perspective.
He seeks to inspire readers to embrace a more individualistic and responsible approach to their own sexual lives.

Unique Vocabulary:

“Puericulture”: The science of the care of children, both before and after birth.
“Orgy”: A period of intense, often ritualistic, indulgence in physical and emotional expression.
“Asceticism”: A strict self-discipline, often involving deprivation, used to attain spiritual or moral purification.
“Chastity”: A virtue that involves self-control and a respect for the dignity of sexual love, not necessarily abstinence.
“Lust”: Sexual desire, a neutral term often used negatively.
“Flirtage”: A form of flirtation that is indulged in for its own sake, not as a part of courtship.
“Stirpiculture”: The science of breeding for the improvement of the human race.
“Eugenics”: The science of improving the human race by selective breeding.
“Facultative sterility”: The deliberate prevention of conception.
“Negative eugenics”: The elimination of undesirable traits through measures such as abortion and castration.
“Positive eugenics”: The promotion of desirable traits through selective breeding.
“Simultaneous orgasm”: The experience of sexual climax in both partners at the same time.
“Coitus interruptus”: Withdrawal of the penis before ejaculation.
“Coitus reservatus”: Sexual intercourse with prolonged retention of the penis, often without ejaculation.

Anecdotes:

The story of the adopted child of a prostitute: This anecdote illustrates the impact of heredity on an individual’s life, even in the face of a loving and supportive environment.
The story of Robert of Arbrissel: This narrative highlights the complexities of asceticism and its potential for both good and harm, demonstrating the power of personal charisma and the difficulty of controlling human desire.
The story of the Tahitians: This story challenges the common misconception that a culture that is open about sexuality is necessarily immoral.
The story of the prostitute who “makes herself a man”: This anecdote shows the evolution of attitudes towards women and the growing desire for women to claim their own autonomy and reject traditional expectations.
The story of Pepys’s jealousy: This detailed and fascinating account illustrates the destructive nature of jealousy and the dangers of attempting to control another person’s feelings.

Ideas:

The need to challenge traditional, often harmful, views of sexuality and the female body.
The importance of sexual education in promoting healthy relationships and dispelling harmful myths.
The potential of a more humane approach to prostitution and venereal diseases.
The necessity for a more flexible and just marriage system that respects individual freedom and choice.
The potential of eugenics to improve the human race, while recognizing the importance of personal responsibility and informed consent.

Facts and findings:

Infant mortality is a significant problem, and a significant portion is preventable.
Breastfeeding is the ideal food for infants, and artificial feeding is associated with increased mortality and health risks.
Sexual activity in childhood is fairly common and is not necessarily a sign of pathology.
The horror of nakedness is largely a product of social conditioning and is not inherent in human nature.
The old view of sexual abstinence as universally beneficial or harmless has been challenged by recent research.
Prostitution is not simply an economic phenomenon, but a complex social issue with biological, psychological, and civilizational factors.
Venereal diseases are a serious public health concern and require a comprehensive approach to prevention and treatment.
The traditional view of marriage as an indissoluble contract is being challenged by a growing demand for individual freedom and responsibility.
The art of love is an important aspect of a fulfilling and lasting relationship, requiring communication, empathy, and knowledge.
The deliberate control of procreation, whether through preventing conception or other methods, is becoming increasingly common and accepted.

Statistics:

Infant mortality rates: Ellis cites various statistics on infant mortality rates in different countries and regions, highlighting the significant number of preventable deaths.
Prevalence of breastfeeding: He presents data on the declining rates of breastfeeding in various countries and the associated health risks.
Prevalence of sexual precocity: He mentions research findings on the frequency of sexual precocity in children, indicating the importance of early sexual education.
Prevalence of prostitution and venereal diseases: Ellis cites statistics on the prevalence of prostitution and venereal diseases, emphasizing their societal impact.
Prevalence of divorce: He provides data on divorce rates in different countries and regions, highlighting the growing acceptance of divorce as a means of escaping unhappy marriages.
Prevalence of early motherhood: Ellis refers to studies that indicate the positive outcomes for both mother and child in cases of early motherhood.
Prevalence of large families: He presents data suggesting that large families are often associated with degeneracy and health issues.

Points of View:

Ellis’ writing is largely informed by a scientific and objective perspective, but he also incorporates personal experiences and insights from other writers and researchers. He takes into account the perspectives of various experts in different fields, including medicine, psychology, sociology, and history.
His approach is shaped by a strong commitment to humanism, individualism, and social reform. He criticizes harmful traditions and policies and advocates for a more just and equitable approach to sexual morality.

Perspective:

Ellis presents a nuanced perspective on sexuality that encompasses both the biological and the social dimensions. He is acutely aware of the complexities of human nature and the interplay between instinct and culture. He challenges traditional, often hypocritical, views on sex and morality and promotes a more open, honest, and compassionate approach to understanding and experiencing human sexuality.

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