In this episode, we dive into the history and impact of purity rings and the larger purity culture that emerged from the evangelical Christian movement of the 1990s. Purity rings, often given to symbolize a commitment to abstinence until marriage, were touted as a moral badge of honor, especially for women. However, the emotional and psychological toll of this movement has left many with feelings of shame, guilt, and deep anxiety about their sexuality.

We explore how this culture reinforced traditional gender roles and tied women’s worth to their sexual behavior, leading to struggles with self-esteem and forming healthy relationships later in life. We'll examine personal stories and research that shed light on the lasting effects of growing up in a culture where sexual purity was viewed as the ultimate measure of one’s value.

Topics: Purity culture, purity rings, evangelical christianity, sexual purity, abstinence, gender roles, self-worth, shame and guilt, emotional impact, psychological effects, relationships