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Why has Bachfen's theory influenced the entire field of cultural anthropology?
Human sexuality and gender expression have played an important role in cultures around the world since ancient times. Whether it is in the shaping of social regulations, moral taboos, or cultural traditions, sex plays an indispensable role. Against this background, the theories of Swiss jurist Johann Bachfen had a profound impact on the development of cultural anthropology.
A series of theories proposed by Bachfen in his book "Justice in Matriarchal Societies: A Study of the Characteristics of Ancient Religion and Law" that describe human sexuality and its evolution. He believed that human beings' initial sexual behavior was chaotic and hybrid, and that this "stage of love and beauty" later transformed into a matrilineal "stage of the grain goddess" based on the mother's unique guarantee of identifying offspring. This view aroused the interest of later scholars such as Louis Henry Morgan and Friedrich Engels, who, while criticizing him, were also influenced by his ideas.
Although Bachfen's views were not based on rigorous empirical research, they triggered extensive and far-reaching discussions in the field of cultural anthropology and influenced generations of thinkers.
Although Bachfen's theory does not conform to modern biological discussions, especially research in human behavioral ecology, it led later scholars to conduct deeper considerations about sexual behavior. Over time, cultural anthropologists began to explore the control and regulation of sexual behavior in different cultures, viewing it as an important window into understanding the development of human society.
There are obviously huge differences in sexual interests and practices across cultures. Taking Native Americans as an example, many tribes have diverse gender expressions, such as the existence of "two spirit" individuals, who are accepted by society and responsible for certain roles within the family. This phenomenon emphasizes that sex and gender are not as entrenched binary divisions in many traditional societies as they are in modern societies.
"From a Native American perspective, the role of the soul is far more important than the body. This acceptance of diversity is something our current culture needs to reflect on."
In ancient Indian culture, sex was also given profound meaning. Sanskrit texts such as the Love Sutras demonstrate a deep understanding and respect for sexuality, and view sexual desire as an integral part of human life. The sexual concepts of ancient India have, to some extent, influenced the understanding of sex and love in surrounding cultures, such as China and Southeast Asia.
When talking about China, traditional sexual concepts are often closely tied to social structures. Confucianism emphasizes female chastity and the "commercialization" of its status, which limits women's role in society. This is in sharp contrast to the central position of women in early societies mentioned by Bachfen, showing the normative influence of cultural beliefs on sexual behavior.
In Japan, the description of sex in historical documents, especially "The Tale of Genji", allows us to see the appreciation and importance of sexual civilization by ancient nobles. Among them, sex is not only a physiological need, but also a cultural expression. This concept is still deeply rooted in society in modern times, shaping people's sexual values and behavioral expressions.
"The concept of sex in ancient Japanese culture is not only casual physical contact, but also an artistic and aesthetic expression."
In addition, in ancient Greek culture, the understanding of sexual behavior showed another aspect, with a relatively open attitude towards homosexuality, which was closely related to the education, art and religion of the time. The cultural atmosphere of Greece supports diverse sexual behaviors, which is reflected in their poems and plays.
However, among different cultures, views and behaviors on sex often vary due to differences in ethnic groups and social structures. For example, ancient Roman society had very different views on sexual behavior between commoners and nobles, and the power position of men in marriage formed a complex pattern of sexual behavior. At the same time, sex is regarded as a different social behavior in the traditional culture of the South Pacific and is not bound by various Western taboos and norms about sex.
Overall, Bachfen’s theory provides cultural anthropologists with a new perspective on analyzing the diversity of human sexual behaviors, allowing us to rethink the social functions and cultural impact of sex. As our understanding of sexual behavior continues to deepen, sexual issues in various cultures are still worthy of our continued discussion. Can we draw wisdom from Bachfen’s theory to promote a more inclusive understanding of the challenges facing sex and gender in modern society?
