Has the sexual revolution backfired? | Louise Perry

Big Think

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

Introduction to Sexual Revolution Skepticism

0:00 - 15 sec

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

Critique of Sex-Positive Feminism

0:19 - 40 sec

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

Modern Incentives and Female Sexuality

1:03 - 18 sec

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

Impact of Contraception and Domestic Advancements

1:40 - 40 sec

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

Sociosexuality and Gender Differences

3:49 - 47 sec

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

Sociosexuality Gap and Its Consequences

5:51 - 52 sec

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

Reframing Sexual Culture

6:45 - 21 sec

Perry advocates for reframing sexual culture, encouraging men to adopt more female-centric sexual behaviors.

  • A feminist approach should discourage women from emulating male sexual habits and instead focus on men being more like women in terms of sex.

Chapter 8

Conclusion and Invitation to Big Think+

7:09 - 13 sec

The video concludes with an invitation to learn more through Big Think+.

  • Viewers are invited to get smarter with videos from world thinkers.
  • Promotion of Big Think+ for businesses.

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