The Political Orphanage cover image

The Political Orphanage

Sex by the Numbers

Feb 12, 2025
Cathy Reisenwitz, a writer for "Sex & The State," dives into the complex world of sex, marriage, and economics. She debunks myths around hookup culture, revealing that most people have only a few partners. The decline in Gen Z's sexual activity is explored, linking it to lifestyle changes and technology. They discuss how economic disparities affect marriage rates and relationship dynamics, especially for women earning more than men. Lastly, Cathy addresses evolving perceptions of masculinity and the need for emotional vulnerability among men.
01:16:13

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • The perception of prevalent hookup culture is misguided, as data indicates only about 10% of people engage in high sexual activity levels.
  • A significant decline in sexual activity among younger generations reveals a societal shift, with increased sexlessness noted among unmarried individuals.

Deep dives

The Myth of Hookup Culture

Hookup culture is often perceived as a common norm where young people engage in casual sexual encounters without strings attached. However, the actual data reveals that this perception is misleading, with only a small percentage of the population, about 10%, engaging in high levels of sexual activity. Most individuals typically have between three to seven sexual partners throughout their lives, which contrasts sharply with the stereotype of pervasive promiscuity. This disconnect between societal beliefs and reality leads many to feel inadequate or left out when it comes to sexual experiences, even when statistics suggest they are quite normal.

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