Female Condom. Rip n Roll, c. 2014
Biological
Condoms are a relatively diverse product. While their main function never deviates there are many different kinds of condoms for both men and women to enjoy. The first type of condom is the one which most of us are more familiar with; the male condom. This condom is intended to sheath the penis to prevent pregnancy as well as protect against STD’s. The second type of condom is the female condom. However, unlike the male condom the female condom is made of polyurethane (a type of plastic). It serves the same purpose as the male condom but is applied in a very different way. Before intercourse a woman has to insert the condom into her vagina. The condom has one closed side and one open side-which can be seen in the picture above- the closed side is the end that is “placed inside of the vagina snug against the cervix” (Planned, 2014) . More directions can also be found at https://www.plannedparenthood.org/learn/birth-control/female-condom.
Social
Since the creation of condoms society’s views towards sex have changed significantly. Sex before marriage is still a huge controversy today, but it is not as big as it would have been in say the 1910’s. This is because part of the risk for having sex (getting pregnant) was eliminated through the creation of condoms. In a way, the entire social structure of the U.S. was reshaped. One study noted the advertisements that began with the creation of condoms like “guard yourself from shame or fear, Votaries to Venus, hasten here, None in our ware e’er found a flaw, Self-preservation’s nature’s law” (2005. Samuel). This quote shows society change even this early on through it’s choice of words. “Protect yourself from shame or fear” shows recognition of change from once traditional views into a world more accustomed to sexual activity sex outside of marriage.
Cultural
Culture plays a key role in the creation and development of this product. However, while carrying condoms is almost like a right of passage for males, this same thinking does not apply to women. Carrying condoms when a person is male signifies male dominance and power. But, when women carry condoms it is seen as promiscuous and as an open invitation to men. In the article Changing Condom Culture (Jayne, 2013) Sara Jayne discusses the cultural struggles that women face surrounding the possession of condoms. Women have even been detained because they were carrying condoms and authorities assumed these women to be prostitutes. It’s obvious that condoms are seen culturally as possessions of men.
Carol Oldroyd. Condoms stored in wallets, c. 2015.
Economic
Interestingly enough a recent study done in India has shown that condoms are mostly bought by women. The study, Study finds women are taking the lead on buying condoms (Daily,2014) explains that men these days are just too shy, so women are stepping up to buy condoms and protect themselves from risk.
Political
Condoms, along with other contraceptives have always been controversial topic. Specifically, the “moral politics” (Lakoff) that are associated with the distribution of condoms. Typically the train of thought is that if condoms are distributed to teens it will promote sexual activity at a young age. On the flip side if condoms aren’t made available, teen pregnancy is claimed to increase. This moral battle is a hot political topic, even today.
Sex education is instituted in middle school years and continues through high school. This education is consists of abstinence based education but also grudgingly includes a few courses on both birth control and how to put on a condom.
However, there are plenty of other places for people to find directions on how to use condoms. The first place a user can look in on the box of condoms itself. However, if they don’t have the actual box, directions can also be found online, on websites such as Plan Parenthood. Though consumers should always be skeptical of the source they receive their information, as some websites will post false information on the pretense of humor. Planned Parenthood also offers educational videos like this one: https://youtu.be/Eh5HK3F42IU (Planned, 2014).
