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In modern culture, the fixation on virginity and the notion of “purity” is excessive and frankly, outdated. This fixation, particularly directed at women and girls, has deep historical roots, arising from male-dominated structures aiming to control women’s bodies and choices. In societies like the United States, where straight, white men have historically held power, it’s no surprise that efforts to maintain that dominance have included shaming others based on their sexual histories.
Women are often caught in a contradictory space where they’re expected to be alluring yet chaste; they should satisfy desires without acting on their own sexual agency. This brings us to today’s topic: the Rice Purity Test. If you’re unfamiliar, let’s break down what this test involves and the lineage of similar tests that have existed throughout history.
What is a Purity Test?
Purity tests are reminiscent of the old BuzzFeed quizzes, but with a much heavier and more stigmatizing purpose: to perpetuate guilt and shame around sexuality, particularly for women. Essentially, a purity test is a self-assessment where participants respond to a series of yes/no questions about their sexual experiences, drug use, and other stigmatized activities. At the end, individuals receive a score—100% indicating the highest level of “purity” and 0% the lowest.
Although it may seem like a modern invention, purity tests have been around since at least the 1920s, with the Rice Purity Test being the most notable example, first appearing in Rice University’s student newspaper, The Thresher, in 1924. Interestingly, only female students were encouraged to take part in the test, and among the 119 participants, the average score was reported to be 62.
The test has evolved significantly since its inception. For instance, a 1935 issue of Columbia University’s humor magazine mentioned a similar test purportedly conducted at Barnard College. Other tests followed, including a “virtue test” at Indiana University in 1939, and various iterations in the 1980s from institutions like MIT and Carnegie Mellon.
The Evolution of the Rice Purity Test
The Rice Purity Test has undergone numerous updates since its original form in 1924. Currently, it includes a variety of questions reflecting contemporary sexual experiences, with only two questions from the original version remaining: “Have you ever cheated?” and “Have you ever been drunk?” It made a resurgence in the 1970s, with a notable update in 1988 that included more sensitive topics.
By 1998, many of the more controversial questions had been removed, making way for a more inclusive approach that did not segregate LGBTQ+ experiences. The current version features 100 questions, all beginning with “Have you ever…” and includes scenarios like:
- Danced without leaving room for Jesus?
- Kissed someone below the belt?
- Watched pornographic material?
- Participated in a drinking game?
- Engaged in sexual intercourse in a public place?
Despite the inherent flaws in the concept of “purity,” this version attempts to be more gender-neutral.
What is the Innocence Test?
The idea of purity tests has persisted into modern times, with the latest iteration being the Innocence Test, which emerged on platforms like TikTok in 2021. This version includes more current references, reflecting today’s technological landscape. Remember, no set of questions can truly define your worth; these tests are remnants of a bygone culture that sought to control women’s bodies and their sexuality. If you’re looking to spark some conversation or share a laugh with friends, taking the test can be a fun way to reminisce.
Summary
The Rice Purity Test and its variants are part of a long history of societal pressure surrounding female sexuality. While they may seem like harmless fun today, these tests echo a problematic past of policing women’s bodies. Ultimately, one’s worth is not determined by such arbitrary measures.
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