Final answer:
The statement suggests that female passivity or boredom has historically been eroticized by men, reflecting the sexual objectification of women within male-dominated societies, as evidenced in the behaviors and expectations dictated in ancient Roman times and literary examples.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement "boredom is erotic, when women do it, for men" touches on the historical sexual objectification and fetishization of female passivity. Throughout history, as exemplified in the various passages provided, women's value in relation to men has often been determined by their ability to embody certain traits that are erotically charged by male desires. The statement infers that there's an erotic component, for men, when women engage in acts perceived to be mundane or passive, such as the act of doing nothing or appearing bored, which can be tantalizing in a voyeuristic sense for some men. This concept ties into the broader themes of power dynamics and sexual politics.
In ancient Rome and throughout history, female sexuality often has been constructed within the boundaries set by male expectations and desires. Patriarchal societies, as referenced in the texts provided, dictated not only the behaviors of women but also their sexual identities. Seneca the Younger and Petronius, for instance, speak to the expectations of women and their placement within the Roman societal structure, while highlighting how deviations from these roles were perceived and treated. The eroticization of female boredom can thus be seen as an extension of these social constructs, where even the lack of action becomes a performance for the male gaze.