What societal norm did the Victorian era reinforce regarding sexuality?

The Victorian era is widely recognized for its strict social norms surrounding sexuality, which emphasized sexual prudery and restraint. During this time, there was a pronounced focus on modesty, chastity, and the idea that sexual activity should be confined within the boundaries of marriage for procreation purposes. The societal expectation was for individuals, especially women, to adhere to a repressive standard that discouraged open discussion or expression of sexual desires.

This promotion of sexual prudery manifested in various aspects of culture, including literature, fashion, and social behaviors. For instance, women were often idealized as paragons of virtue, and notions of femininity were heavily tied to sexual restraint. This created an environment where sexuality was viewed as something shameful or taboo rather than a natural part of human existence.

The other options do not accurately reflect the norms of the Victorian era. Encouragement of exploration and expression, acceptance of various sexual orientations, and advocacy for freedom of choice were not characteristics of this time. Instead, the era is marked by a reactionary stance against such freedoms, reinforcing conservative and often repressive views surrounding sexuality.