Foucault---The History of Sexuality

Michel Foucault discusses the idea of monogamous marriages and taboo sex. He focuses on the 18th century and 19th century era. He first talks about the "codes...couples were supposed to live by" (683). One of these codes dealt with no "extramarital affairs" (684). Foucault then talks about how homosexuality was recognized as an actual sexuality. The title, "homosexuality" became a meaning for anyone who identified with it. Another point that he brings up is "powers and pleasures" (689). From my understanding, I learned that outside influences encouraged people to get out there and explore. His argument is in favor of the heterosexual couples, but exploring your sexuality was becoming the norm.

Michel Foucault. The History of Sexuality. Chapter 3