In this discussion, Louise Perry, author of "The Case Against the Sexual Revolution," reflects on whether women's lives are worse now than in the 1950s. She argues that the sexual revolution has led to significant losses for women, advocating for recognition of gender differences. Their conversation touches on the complexities of abortion, the evolution of dating norms, and the subtle resurgence of conservative values under the guise of modern discourse. Perry's views spark a debate about the implications of these shifts on women’s autonomy and cultural expectations.
Louise Perry argues that modern sexual culture has diminished the significance of relationships, contrasting it with the perceived benefits of 1950s sexual ethics.
The podcast critiques the normalization of premarital sex and abortion as harmful to women's empowerment, connecting these issues to conservative cultural values.
Deep dives
The Value of 1950s Sexual Culture
Louise Perry discusses the merits of the sexual culture from the 1950s, asserting that it established a framework for sexual ethics that was beneficial compared to contemporary norms. She believes that before the changes brought on by the sexual revolution, societal attitudes toward sex better recognized the inherent differences between men and women. Perry's argument suggests that the perceived freedom gained through the sexual revolution has actually led to a cultural disenchantment with sex, reducing its significance. This view critiques modern liberal feminism, which she believes has distorted understanding of sexual relationships, advocating a return to more traditional values.
Critique of Contemporary Norms Around Sex and Relationships
Perry raises concerns about modern attitudes towards premarital sex, abortion, and divorce, indicating that the casual approach many people take today diminishes women's power in relationships. She argues that the normalization of premarital sex has allowed high-status men to exploit their positions, leading to unhealthy dynamics in dating. Perry suggests that the increased choices afforded by technology actually leave many young people feeling overwhelmed and passive in their romantic pursuits. This perspective challenges the notion that individual freedom in sexual relations solely benefits women, presenting a more conservative view on relationship dynamics.
Cultural and Political Implications of Sexual Ethics
Perry's views intersect with broader cultural discussions about the state of society and rising political tensions surrounding sexual ethics. She implies that a decline in strict sexual morals reflects a societal shift away from Christian values, describing this as a 'de-Christianization' of culture. This argument aligns her perspective with a conservative stance that sees contemporary social issues, including debates over abortion, as symptoms of a deeper moral crisis. Through her analysis, Perry advocates for a re-examination of societal norms, positioning her beliefs in opposition to the progressivism of modern liberal thought.
Is life worse for women now than in the 1950s? In a recent interview for The Free Press, author Louise Perry and journalist Bari Weiss muse on just how much women have lost since premarital sex was normalized, the pill reduced sex to consequence-free hedonism, and Roe v Wade rendered abortion as common as going to the dentist. Perry calls this “re-paganization,” delivering an eloquent longing for a lost golden age of female subservience as Weiss nods along and smiles. It’s all very heterodox.
Or is it? No mention of the impacts of Project 2025, the dangerous ascendancy of Christian Nationalism, or the deadly crisis of women’s health in full swing.
Julian analyses their conversation to pinpoint how digital new media dresses up traditionalist right-wing talking points as if they’re open-minded, edgy, and brave intellectual insights.