The Sexual Revolution: How Did We Become Sexually Free?
Photo by Diana Polekhina on Unsplash
Once upon a time, sex life was a mere obligation that came along with marriage and procreation. Period.
Perhaps the youth from sexually liberated countries tend to forget about it, but that was the reality not so long ago. Are we taking our rights for granted?
That's why honoring the people who directly (and indirectly) contributed to our freedom is essential, as a way to cultivate awareness and gratitude.
What is the sexual revolution?
The sexual revolution resulted from a long series of events that occurred as early as the 18th century.
Progressively, the perception of sex aiming to procreate shifted to sex for pleasure. When infant mortality began to decrease due to modern medicine, reproduction became less of a necessity.
Centuries later, the sexual revolution of the 1960s was deeply rooted in social issues, predominantly sparked by young people tired of the repressive rules surrounding relationships between genders.
The consequences of the sexual revolution
At that time, in most Western countries, similar events and movements started occurring. The sexual revolution was on its way.
How was the situation before the sexual revolution?
The youth strongly desired to let go of the patriarchal mentality of the older generations
Increasing protests were demanding the emancipation of women and more equality between genders
Bodies were gradually more exhibited in movies as in real life (when mini-skirts became trendy!)
There was in the air a need of letting go of the guilt associated with sensual pleasures, and the pressure of marriage that came with sex
The numbers of divorces and de facto unions were rising, showing that relationships were already changing
Scientific progress made the treatment of STIs possible and contraception methods available, which lifted the fear surrounding sex
The hippy movement was growing in Europe, spreading some free love vibrations!
What changed after the sexual revolution?
The average age of first sexual intercourse for women went down from around 20 to 17 years old
Non-monogamy and premarital sex became common practices
Procreation stopped being the ultimate goal of sexuality
More attention was given to female pleasure and masturbation
Abortion got finally legalized
People became more open to various sexual practices
Strong revendication of homosexuality
Who contributed to the sexual revolution?
Decades of social, cultural, political, and scientific events ultimately resulted in the sexual revolution of the 1960s.
All those who contributed to the revolution shared a belief: sexual repression is harmful to mental health, and society as a whole.
Altogether, they changed history.
Wilhelm Reich
Austrian psychoanalyst who coined the phrase 'sexual revolution' in the 30s.
He was convinced that sexual repression led to violence, linking it to the rise of fascism in Europe. Actually, he believed that regular orgasms could heal people, and by extension, society.
Alfred Kinsey
American biologist and sexologist famous for publishing Sexual Behavior in the Human Male (1948) and Sexual Behavior in the Human Female (1953).
The interview of more than 10,000 people unprecedently revealed the Americans' sexual practices at a time when no-one really knew what was sexuality before their own wedding night…
William Masters and Virginia Johnson
The research team studied sexual response and dysfunction in the 1950s. They are particularly known for their theory of the four-stage model of arousal, namely excitement, plateau, orgasmic and resolution, contributing to a better understanding of sex.
Helen Gurley Brown
American feminist and businesswoman, Helen wrote Sex and the Single Girl (1962), in which she talks about the advantages of being single, how to be sexy, how to prepare for an affair, and more saucy tips.
Also known for being the redactor-in-chief of the famous Cosmopolitan magazine, she wanted to embody the fact that women can have it all: career, success and... good sex.
Marylin Monroe
Sex symbol of the 60s, Monroe was THE free woman by excellence, openly sensual and known for her affairs with various celebrities. Her popularity challenged the image of women in society at its core.
Brigitte Bardot
Birgitte created the same effect in France. She shocked the public with the movie Et Dieu Créa La Femme (1956) in which she appears as a liberated and sensual young woman.
Anne Koedt
This radical American feminist wrote the controversial Myth of the Vaginal Orgasm (1968), which helped to redefine female pleasure, away from the masculine spectrum.
She challenged the common thought that women can reach orgasm only by penetration while explaining all about the clitoral orgasm.
Simone Veil
As the French Minister of Health, she obtained the legalization of abortion in 1974.
Mary Quant
British designer who popularized the mini-skirt in the 1960s! She turned women fashion into something fun and sexy.
Are we truly sexually free today?
While we are more tolerant and communicate freely about all things related to sex, it seems that we still face plenty of challenges.
A lot of topics are taboo, such as sex work and transgender
Only 57% of women have regular orgasms with their partner
'Slut-shaming' and street harassment are very common
Eating disorders and body dysmorphia are rising, showing that we're not comfortable with our bodies…
Among many other issues.
We are so lucky to live in sexually liberated times, but it's vital to keep fighting, questioning, and speaking our truth. And to never take our rights for granted.
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