Final answer:
The question relates to social attitudes towards male sexuality and how these attitudes have evolved from ancient times to the present, focusing on roles and behaviors in historical contexts and contemporary social norms, particularly in the United States.
Step-by-step explanation:
The phrase men are the most valued in the erotic marketplace" seems to be referring to social attitudes towards sexuality and how certain types of men are viewed within various sexual economies, both historically and in contemporary society.
When exploring concepts like same-sex desire, male privilege, and the erotic marketplace, it's crucial to understand the context of the epochs we're discussing, such as Ancient Greece or Rome, as well as current viewpoints in countries like the United States.
In the Roman world, there were no direct equivalents for the terms 'homosexual,' 'bisexual,' or 'heterosexual.' Sexual roles and behaviors often determined how a person was perceived, with a strong emphasis on masculinity and dominant roles, especially in the context of male same-sex relationships.
This differs from modern Western conceptualizations of sexuality and gender norms. In the United States, for instance, there is a more definite heteronormative expectation that male sexual attraction should be predominantly directed toward females, making any deviation from this norm susceptible to social disapproval, especially for men.
Moreover, the historical context shows that elite Greek men often had bisexual tendencies, highlighting an ancient culture where bisexuality among men, and possibly women, was prevalent.
However, this was especially notable among men in the upper social ranks and involved a social practice that blurred the lines between mentorship and sexual relationships, a concept quite alien to modern societal norms.