PORNOCRACY Meaning and
Definition
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Pornocracy is a term with historical and social connotations, which originated from the Greek words "pornē," meaning prostitute, and "kratos," meaning rule or power. The term refers to a society or era characterized by the domination or influence of prostitutes or sexual services in politics, government, or other aspects of society. It describes a system where individuals involved in the sex trade hold significant power or influence over decision-making processes and societal structures.
The concept of pornocracy can be traced back to ancient times, especially during the Byzantine Empire, where some historians argue that courtesans and prostitutes had considerable control over the ruling class. These influential women allegedly influenced political decisions and even held sway over the emperors themselves.
In a broader sense, pornocracy can be used to describe any society or period where the pursuit of sexual services or the exploitation of sexuality holds sway over societal norms and structures. It signifies a state in which the power dynamics are shaped by sexual influence or where sexual representation dominates public discourse and decision-making processes.
The term is also used metaphorically to describe a society where obscenity, sexual exploitation, or explicit content is excessively prevalent or normalized, often at the expense of other social, cultural, or moral values. In contemporary usage, pornocracy may refer to a society or culture where sexualization and explicit imagery dominate public discourse, media, or entertainment industries, potentially overshadowing more significant issues or concerns.
Common Misspellings for PORNOCRACY
Etymology of PORNOCRACY
The word "pornocracy" has its origins in the Greek language. It is formed by combining two Greek words: "porne", which means "prostitute" or "harlot", and "kratia", meaning "rule" or "power". When combined, "porne" and "kratia" create "pornokratia", which literally translates to "rule by prostitutes" or "government by harlots". This term was first used to describe a period of ecclesiastical history known as the "Saeculum Obscurum" (Dark Age) during the 10th century in the papacy of Rome. During this time, several powerful and influential female relatives of popes were alleged to have wielded significant influence and control over the papal affairs, thus giving rise to the term "pornocracy".
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