The thesis focuses on the understanding of virginity, its association with morality and social
respect, and double standards in the evaluation of female and male sexuality. It examines how
young women understand and experience the Madonna–Whore dichotomy (hereinafter MWD)
and what role virginity plays in this dichotomy. The theoretical part examines the development
of the concept, from Freud’s psychoanalytic interpretation to feminist perspectives, as well as
the influence of Christian tradition on the formation of ideas about female sexuality and
virginity. The empirical part analyses seven semi-structured interviews with women aged 21 to
26, with the aim of examining whether women recognize the dichotomous division of women
into those who are respected and those who are degraded, and whether they internalize these
ideas and adapt their behaviour accordingly. The findings show that the MWD remains present
as a social pattern that influences perceptions of femininity, sexuality, and social respect.
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