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Women’s desire for sexual agency was harshly judged, branding those who expressed such desires as immoral and scandalous. Meanwhile, men's sexual freedom was not only condoned but also encouraged. They could seek intimacy with prostitutes or engage in extramarital affairs without facing societal backlash. The laws of marriage were skewed, allowing men to enjoy a sexual double standard while women remained confined to the boundaries of marital fidelity.
The Ritual of Debut and Sexual Practices
The first night of marriage was often steeped in anxiety for women, as the act of consummation carried the risk of physical trauma. An uninformed expectations led to the belief that vigorous sexual activity could result in serious injuries.