Punish me, Father! Medieval and early modern penitential rituals as the construction of the masochistic male body

Abstract

Abstract This article examines how medieval and early modern penitential rituals in monasteries physically constructed submissive, masochistic male sexuality, standing in sharp contrast with the dominant sexuality of laymen. By analyzing pastoral recommendations, such as Thomas of Chobham’s advice to rub the erect penis with stinging nettles or Jean Gerson’s rules for flagellation intensity, I argue that masochism was essentially the only form of sexuality permitted for clergy. Because the Church strictly condemned conventional sexual release, self-inflicted pain was often the only available way for monks to touch their erogenous zones, serving as a direct substitute for masturbation. By comparing these sexually charged practices with extreme mortification of the flesh, like that of the mystic Henry Suso and early unsanctioned flagellants, the study establishes concrete criteria for distinguishing ‘masturbatory’ pain from just self-harm.

The authors' abstract, as published at the source. postmedieval a journal of medieval cultural studies, 2026 · DOI ↗