Rice Purity Test of Rice University
History of Purity test
- The concept of a purity test has a long and varied history, tracing back to informal social practices rather than any single origin. Traditionally, these tests were created by groups of friends or communities as a way to explore and share personal experiences and boundaries in a playful, often humorous manner. Over time, the format of these tests evolved, but they generally maintained their focus on questions related to personal behaviors, decisions, and experiences, especially concerning social norms and taboos.
- The Rice Purity Test, one of the most well-known modern examples, was developed in the 1920s at Rice University as a way for students to measure their 'purity' against the experiences of their peers. Originally intended for the university's female students, it has since become a broader cultural phenomenon, used by people worldwide to assess and reflect on their own life experiences. The enduring popularity of purity tests, including the Rice Purity Test, underscores a universal curiosity about the self and a desire to connect with others through shared experiences.