Has the sexual revolution backfired? | Louise Perry
Big Think
7 min, 26 sec
Louise Perry discusses her concerns about the sexual revolution and its implications on society, particularly women, in her book 'The Case Against the Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21st Century.'
Summary
- Perry initially bought into the positive narrative of the sexual revolution but began questioning it during university.
- She argues that sex-positive feminism often excuses abusive sexual practices and creates power imbalances.
- Perry suggests that modern incentive structures push women to adopt male sexual behaviors, which some young women are beginning to reject.
- The Pill's invention, along with modern conveniences, has allowed women to imitate traditionally male roles, affecting sexual and professional behavior.
- She describes the sociosexuality gap, where men on average desire more sexual variety than women, leading to societal issues like unwanted sex or sexual frustration.
Chapter 1
Louise Perry introduces her initial support and subsequent skepticism of the sexual revolution.
- Initially supported the positive narrative of the sexual revolution.
- Began questioning its benefits during university, leading to writing a critical book on the subject.
Chapter 2
Perry critiques sex-positive feminism, suggesting it justifies abusive practices and power imbalances.
- Questions the notion of sexual liberation and its perceived consequences.
- Believes there's a middle ground between permissiveness and theocracy.
- Sex-positive feminism is used to excuse and justify grim sexual practices and power imbalances.
Chapter 3
Perry discusses how modern incentives encourage women to adopt male sexual behaviors.
- The current social structure incentivizes women to view sex from a traditionally male perspective.
- More young women are recognizing the downsides of sexual liberation and making different choices.
Chapter 4
The Pill and modern domestic conveniences have drastically changed traditional female roles.
- The Pill's ability to control and hide female fertility was revolutionary.
- Household conveniences allowed women to more easily imitate traditionally male roles.
Chapter 5
Perry explains sociosexuality and its implications on sexual culture and gender differences.
- Men and women are different, with only women able to get pregnant, leading to evolved pickiness in mate selection.
- Men are physically stronger and higher in sociosexuality on average, preferring sexual variety.
Chapter 6
The sociosexuality gap between men and women has led to societal issues and potential exploitation.
- Men's higher sociosexuality leads to a gap that cultures have solved in various ways, like prostitution.
- Modern culture encourages all women to meet the male standard, causing distress.
Chapter 7
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