Uploaded October 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
ICSA International Conference - Montreal, QC
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Liz Sallows, Dresden Andrea, Magdalene Leon
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Abstract: Purity culture, with its emphasis on sexual abstinence as a measure of moral worth, is a powerful framework that has deeply affected many individuals, particularly within religious, patriarchal, and social communities. Though originally intended to promote sexual restraint, the consequences of these teachings extend well beyond sexuality, shaping individuals’ understanding of their bodies, relationships, and personal autonomy. As Valenti (2009) notes, these messages continue to influence individuals long after leaving the environments where purity culture was central, affecting everything from personal identity to relationship dynamics and self-worth. Purity culture has deeply influenced individuals within many religious and social communities, shaping not only sexual ethics but also personal identity, relationship dynamics, and self-worth (Moslener, 2015). These teachings are woven into many people’s self-concept, creating beliefs and patterns that are hard to unlearn and that can persist into adult life. For many, the effects of purity culture can be seen in how they approach intimacy, set boundaries, and view their own value.
With attention to both lived experiences and academic insights, this interdisciplinary panel will bring together speakers who have been directly shaped by purity culture, sharing how it has affected their lives and offering perspectives for those seeking to understand and heal. By exploring these personal narratives alongside research, we aim to foster understanding, inspire reflection, and provide resources for those impacted by purity culture, whether directly or indirectly. Prior to coming to this panel, we invite you to reflect on what purity culture means to you.
ICSA International Conference - Montreal, QC
-
Liz Sallows, Dresden Andrea, Magdalene Leon
-
Abstract: Purity culture, with its emphasis on sexual abstinence as a measure of moral worth, is a powerful framework that has deeply affected many individuals, particularly within religious, patriarchal, and social communities. Though originally intended to promote sexual restraint, the consequences of these teachings extend well beyond sexuality, shaping individuals’ understanding of their bodies, relationships, and personal autonomy. As Valenti (2009) notes, these messages continue to influence individuals long after leaving the environments where purity culture was central, affecting everything from personal identity to relationship dynamics and self-worth. Purity culture has deeply influenced individuals within many religious and social communities, shaping not only sexual ethics but also personal identity, relationship dynamics, and self-worth (Moslener, 2015). These teachings are woven into many people’s self-concept, creating beliefs and patterns that are hard to unlearn and that can persist into adult life. For many, the effects of purity culture can be seen in how they approach intimacy, set boundaries, and view their own value.
With attention to both lived experiences and academic insights, this interdisciplinary panel will bring together speakers who have been directly shaped by purity culture, sharing how it has affected their lives and offering perspectives for those seeking to understand and heal. By exploring these personal narratives alongside research, we aim to foster understanding, inspire reflection, and provide resources for those impacted by purity culture, whether directly or indirectly. Prior to coming to this panel, we invite you to reflect on what purity culture means to you.
