Family Nudism is an ideology that has generated several controversial perceptions towards nudism and sexual practices. Its origin and history went as far back as 18th century, and since its inception, it has been continuously advocated as a natural practice that requires preservation.
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Following the inception of the ideology of family nudism and nudism in general, this cultural and psychological movement have led to the formation of several nudism groups, clubs, facilities and secluded nude beaches among many others.
For instance, for families in Finnish culture that are practicing family nudism, it is not uncommon to see the entire famililes spending times together while naked. This might be while taking their bathe in the swimming pool, playing on the beach etc.
Despite the increasing popularity of social nudism, most especially in the beginning of the 20th century, the concept has still not been widely accepted due to the controversial beliefs attached to it. For instance, even though the ideology has become something adults and even family (family nudism) participate in due to psychological health attribute, its impact on children has been perceived otherwise. As a result, it has increasingly become as a subject of dispute among psychologists.
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Nudism is another term used interchangeably to describe the concept of Naturism. The term nudism is a social practice or lifestyle that is often related to sexualism or sexual activities. However, several contemporary naturist and notable naturist organizations have overtime advocated otherwise, stating expressly that nudism should not be directly linked with sexual activities or practices.
In essence, there are several other linking concepts and formations directly related to the ideology of family nudism and nudism in general. To accurately disperse these concepts, this article on family nudism will be treated accordingly in order of these concepts.
The Meaning Of Nudism and Naturism?
As earlier stated, the concept of nudism and naturism have been used interchangeably and has been directly linked together overtime.
The ideology of nudism as it is, has been defined in several context. Despite this, nudism can be simply defined as the practice of going nude for the general reasons of health and comfort. Under this ideology, people of different sexes are free to interact with each other without engaging in any sexual related activities or practices.
In the same vein, the ideology of naturism is conceived similarly. In 1974, naturism was defined by The XIV Congress of the International Naturist Federation (INF) held at Agde, France as:
“…a way of life in harmony with nature characterized by the practice of communal nudity with the intention of encouraging self-respect, respect for others and for the environment.”
To further explains this ideology, the naturist organization states further:
“Each country has its own kind of naturism, and even each club has its own special character, for we too, human beings, have each our own character which is reflected in our surroundings.”
Despite the similar or common perspective on both terms, there seems to be some other things that calls for their discernment.
Difference Between Nudism and Naturism
Although both words, Nudism and Naturism are broadly used interchangeably, there’s a little difference between them.
While nudism is only associated with the practice of nudity, the idea behind naturism seems a bit extended. Naturism accommodates the practice of nudism with the beliefs that emphasizes an attitude that favours relationship with nature and respect for the environment.
That being said, there is no single naturist ideology. It’s believed to span across several philosophical and cultural backgrounds.
However, despite this little difference, for several relatable reasons (social, cultural and historical reasons) the general public and several contemporary naturist have had a simplified perception of the relationship between naturism and sexuality.
Henceforth, for the sake of the article, the word “Nudism” will be used to mean both nudism and naturism.
What Is Family Nudism?
Growing from the concept of Nudism, there is family nudism which means exactly as the words appear. Family Nudism is a social practice that promotes or advocates nudity between families, generally for the reasons of health or comfort.
What Is The Philosophy Of Family Nudism?
Having considered the meaning of family nudism, it is required of common sense to also consider the philosophy of family nudism.
Following several research and findings, it is believed that the practice of nudism, as well as family nudism helps to grow self esteem.
In relation to sexuality, it has also been conceived has having a huge positive impact in order to have a well balanced sexual lifestyle.
Nudism has also been associated with improved health.
Is Nudism Legal?
Nudsm is legal considering the fact that it is a tolerated practice. However, the legality of nudism practically depends on the laws that regulate nudism in a particular place, country or locality. For instance, in most European countries like Croatia which is regarded as the World famous for naturism, is considered legal.
Interestingly, nudism also contributed for about 15% of its tourism industry. It was also known as the first European country to develop commercial naturist resorts.
Similarly, nudism is not considered illegal in Spain sicnede there is no existing law that expressly bans the practice of nudism. On the other hand, public nudity is prohibited in Greece.
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So clearly, whether nudism is legal or illegal depends on the law in operation in the areas where nudism is being practiced.
Is Family Nudism Legal?
The same notion that applies to nudism also applies to family nudism. Family nudism is clearly legal depending on the law or regulations in operation.
However, due to the recent reactions toward family nudism in order to protect the children, it’s less likely for it be acceptable.
Who Is A Textilist?
The terms “textilist”and “textile” are related to nudism even though it posits its opposite. Textile is a non-nudist.
Textilists are those who are non-naturist persons. It can also be conceived to mean non-naturist behaviours or facilities. In natural sense, it means those things that are not attributed or possess the features of nudism.
The History Of Nudism And Family Nudism
Notably, it was earlier emphasized that the history and origin of nudism can be traced as far back as in the 18th century. This clearly depicts the longetivity and the cultural dispensation of the ideology of nudism and family nudism from generations to generations.
The first recorded usage of the word, naturisme (French word for naturism) was in 1778 by Jean Baptiste Luc Planchon (1734–1781). His usage of the terms was to advocate nudism as a means of improving the hygiène de vie or healthy living.
Despite Jean Baptiste’s advocation, nudism was formally considered to be initiated in France by Marcel Kienné de Mongeot in 1920 following his belief that can nudism could be the cure to his family’s tuberculosis suffering.
In addition, he also perceived it as the continuation of the ancient Greek traditions. As a result, he officially established the first French nudism club called Sparta Club.
However, the first nudism club was formed in 1891 in British India, by Charles Edward Gordon Crawford. The club was named The Fellowship of the Naked Trust and started off with just three persons as its members, namely Crawford and two other: Andrew and Kellogg Calderwood.
Following its inception, the ideology of nudism and family nudism has spanned across most European countries, with most establishing clubs, facilities that promotes the beliefs of nudism.
Also, the publications of philosophical papers by Dr. Heinrich Pudor immensely contributed to a worldwide growth of nudism due to its discussion on nudism relevance to sports— in essence, participation in sports while being free of cumbersome sporting wears or clothing. Other frontliners who advocated for the promotion of the ideas of nudism are Adolf Koch and Hans Suren.
In history, the first large scale nudists club was opened near Hamburg in 1903 by Paul Zimmerman. The club was called Freilichtpark, meaning Free-Light Park.
In recent times, there are several organized nudists clubs in European countries and the term has been encountered in the contexts of swimming, bathing in single-sex groups, within the family, or with mixed-sex friends.
Controversy About Nudism And Family Nudism
There are some controversial notions against the ideology of nudism and family nudism.
Despite the common belief that nudism is promoted, not as a resort to sexual practices or activities, but rather a promotion of nudity in a way that is related to comfort and health, the linking of nudism to other concepts have gathered critical reviews towards the ideology.
In essence, there are some resorts where the ideology of nudism is practiced alongside other infamous ideas such as exhibitionism, voyeurism, and other alternative lifestyles like swinging. The accommodation of swingers by some of the naturist clubs has also contributed immensely to the negative perceptions about nudism and family nudism.
Similarly, under the guise of promoting family nudism and nudism, child pornography has been distributed. As a result, discerning between the two has become even more challenging for law enforcement agencies due to the fact that the production depends on the subjective question whether it is initially meant for pornography or nudism.
