Sexual Revolution
A series of events in the early 196s culminated in the emergence of a new culture in the United States known as the ‘Sexual Revolution. The growth of the feminist movement encouraged women to begin challenging their traditional sexual roles and sexual attitudes. The overriding theme behind the Sexual Revolution was the then radical concept of women, just like their male counterparts, had sexual needs and enjoyed sex too. Feminists thus argued that single women had same sexual needs and deserved the same sexual freedoms as men. The greatest advantage of the Sexual Revolution, as espoused by feminists, was its potential to bring about female sexual empowerment. Of greater significance, sexuality became a major political aspect upon which many new social movements were organized (Reiss & Ellis, 2002). The presence of women in the public realm increased as well as their personal autonomy relating to sexual expression and reproductive choices. In addition, there were also significant reforms both in the medical and legal regulation of sexuality in the United States.
On the flip side, social conservatives held that the Sexual Revolution equaled embracing of promiscuity as well as a threat to the foundation of American society – the family. It was also an unfortunate outcome of the Sexual Revolution that the initial societal on virginity and marriage was gradually succeeded by embracing of single life together with sexual exploration. Porn theatres and sex clubs became increasingly fashionable while married couples embraced “swinging” (Reiss & Ellis, 2002). In fact, casual sex grew as a popular for entertainment for both singles and married couples. Teen pregnancy became a major problem, divorce rates rose sharply, and new sexually transmitted diseases emerged. The 1960s young generation openly questioned authority and defied their parents’ values during civil rights movements.
The Kinsley Report
The Kinsley Report included two books on the subject of human sexual behavior: the 1948 Sexual Behavior in the Human Male and Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (1953). Kinsey defended women as sexual and social equals in society. The results showed that a significantly few Americans were fully heterosexual in practice and desire (Frayser & Whitby, 1995). His report inspired the Sexual Revolution of 1960s by bringing to light America’s sexually hypocritical past. He exposed the silent sexual taboos that were rife in American society including adultery, premarital sex, masturbation, homosexuality, and pre-marital pregnancies. He effectively began a dialogue on sexual behavior that would continue to date. Prior to the Kinsley Report, no researcher had ever interviewed or published comprehensive analysis of the sexual desires and practices of Americans.
References:
Frayser, S. G., & Whitby, T. J. (1995). Studies in human sexuality: A selected guide. Englewood, Colo: Libr. Unlimited.
Reiss, I. L., & Ellis, A. (2002). At the dawn of the sexual revolution: Reflections on a dialogue. Walnut Creek, CA: Altamira Press.
