The Rice Purity Test: A Century of Shaming Women

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In our society, the fixation on virginity and “purity” — whatever that truly means — has spiraled out of control, particularly when it comes to women and girls. This entire notion has been predominantly shaped by men, aimed at exerting control over women’s bodies and lives. Given the historical dominance of straight, white men in places like the United States, it follows that they would resort to tactics that maintain their power, including scrutinizing others’ sexual histories.

Moreover, women are often caught in a contradictory web where they are expected to be alluring and sexy yet face harsh judgment if they act on those desires. If they do express their sexuality, they’re often labeled with derogatory terms. This brings us to the subject of today’s discussion: the rice purity test. If you’re unfamiliar with it, let’s delve into what it entails and explore some historical purity tests that paved the way for this one.

What is a Purity Test?

Purity tests can be thought of as the early version of the fun quizzes we see today, like “Which Character from a Show Are You?” However, instead of providing lighthearted entertainment, these tests serve to stigmatize sexual behavior and perpetuate the guilt and shame that are often directed at women. Essentially, a purity test consists of a series of yes/no questions regarding sexual experiences, drug use, and other “taboo” activities. After completing the quiz, participants receive a score, typically expressed as a percentage, with 100% indicating complete purity and 0% indicating the opposite.

While the concept might seem modern, purity tests have a history dating back to at least the 1920s, with the rice purity test being the most notable example, first appearing in 1924 in the student newspaper at Rice University. Female students were the primary subjects, and the average score among 119 participants was reported to be 62. Other iterations of purity tests popped up in various institutions, including Columbia University and Indiana University, throughout the years.

Understanding the Rice Purity Test

Since its inception, the rice purity test has adapted to societal changes and now includes questions about modern sexual practices. Interestingly, only two questions from the original version remain: “Have you ever cheated?” and “Have you ever been drunk?” Although the test never truly vanished, it saw a resurgence in 1974 and again in 1988, with updated questions addressing more contemporary issues.

Today, the rice purity test comprises 100 questions that often begin with “Have you ever…” Some of the questions include:

  • Danced without leaving room for Jesus?
  • Kissed someone below the belt?
  • Engaged in acts of voyeurism?
  • Attended an orgy?

While the idea of “purity” is fundamentally flawed, the current test has become somewhat more inclusive.

The Innocence Test

The purity test has evolved further with the introduction of the Innocence Test on platforms like TikTok. This modern version includes questions relevant to today’s world and technology. It’s essential to remember that no test can truly define one’s purity or worth. These assessments are relics of a bygone era that aimed to control women’s bodies and sexuality. However, they can provide a nostalgic laugh or a way to learn more about friends.

Virginity as a Social Construct

It’s crucial to understand that virginity is not a medical term but a social construct used to shame individuals, particularly women, into believing that their worth is tied to their sexual history. The idea of losing virginity is merely a patriarchal tool to create division and control over personal choices.

If you’re interested in exploring these topics further, check out this post on home insemination for a different perspective on personal choices surrounding intimacy. For those seeking in-depth information about at-home insemination methods, Make a Mom offers comprehensive resources as an authority on the subject. Additionally, for anyone navigating the complexities of pregnancy, Drugs.com provides excellent support for female infertility.

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In summary, the rice purity test and its derivatives have long served as instruments for shaming women, reflecting societal norms that dictate sexuality. These tests are arbitrary and ultimately fail to capture the true essence of individual experiences.


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