ROY BAUMEISTER: How the female orgasm shapes the world
May 9, 2023
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Psychologist Roy Baumeister discusses topics such as the psychology of human behavior, willpower, decision-making, decision fatigue, and the impact of technology on concentration and self-control. He also explores the influence of the industrial revolution on women's roles and sexual dynamics.
The fluid nature of female sexual desire and its responsiveness to cultural and situational cues shape cultural dynamics in relation to sex.
The tragedy of male sexual desire lies in its insatiable nature and relentless pursuit for more, leading to challenges in relationships and satisfaction.
The interplay between gender dynamics and culture is complex, with female sexual desire influencing cultural norms, practices, and expectations, while men's sexual identities and roles are also experiencing shifts.
Deep dives
The Influence of Culture and Economics on Female Sexual Desire
The Victorian era marked a shift in women's roles due to the industrial revolution, and women's sexual appeal became a central asset. As the supply of women started exceeding the demand, women competed by restricting the supply, leading to a prudish era. However, with women entering the workforce and advancements in birth control technology, women gained more control over their sexual lives. Research shows that the sex lives of women are more responsive to cultural and situational cues, such as education and religion, compared to men. Education leads to more sexual experimentation in women, while men's desires remain largely the same. This highlights the fluid nature of female sexual desire and its ability to shape cultural dynamics in relation to sex.
The Tragedy of Male Sexual Desire
The tragedy of male sexual desire lies in its tendency to always want more. Research suggests that men are often driven by a relentless desire for sex and novelty. Unlike women, men's sexual arousal is less influenced by social and cultural cues. This insatiable nature of male sexual desire can lead to challenges in relationships and an ongoing pursuit for satisfaction. Men's sexual desires can also be influenced by evolving cultural shifts, such as the rise of pornography and changing norms around sexuality. However, the tragedy lies in the struggle to find contentment and the continuous yearning for more.
The Impact of Gender Dynamics in Shaping Culture
The interplay between gender dynamics and culture is complex and multifaceted. Female sexual desire has the power to shape cultural norms and behaviors. Historically, women's sexual appeal was linked to their value in marriage and society. The shifting roles and economic independence of women have challenged traditional norms and influenced cultural shifts in sexuality. These shifts include changes in sexual practices, preferences, and the expectations placed upon women. However, as society navigates changing gender dynamics, men are also experiencing shifts in their sexual identities and roles, creating a complex interplay between culture, gender, and sexuality.
The Role of Self-Control in Human Behavior
Self-control plays an essential role in human behavior and decision-making. Research shows that willpower functions like a muscle that can be depleted with use. Studies have demonstrated that exerting self-control in one task can lead to decreased performance in subsequent tasks. However, self-control can be strengthened and developed through various techniques, such as practicing good posture, breaking habitual patterns, and making deliberate changes in verbal communication. Understanding the nature of self-control can help individuals approach decision-making and behavior change more effectively.
Exploring Sexual Behaviors and Psychology
Sexual behaviors and psychology are complex and varied, influenced by cultural, biological, and individual factors. Research has examined aspects such as BDSM practices, sexual response, and the interplay between pain and pleasure. These explorations have shed light on the motivations and experiences of individuals who engage in non-traditional sexual activities. The psychological and physiological aspects of sexual encounters hold significant intrigue for researchers and contribute to our understanding of human sexuality.
Roy Baumeister (infamous willpower psychologist + NYT bestseller) is one of the world’s most prolific and influential psychologists. He has published 700-plus scientific works, including more than 40 books, and has received the highest award given by the Association for Psychological Science for his lifetime achievements. He is the guy who coined the term “negativity bias” and “decision fatigue”, and writes about why we do stupid things, the psychology of heartbreak and S&M. Roy also, somewhat notoriously, wrote the book Willpower, which saw life-hackers worldwide take up morning routines and inspired Barack Obama to wear the same two suits for the entirety of his presidency.
In this episode Roy, who’d been based out of Queensland until the pandemic took him back to the States, talks about all of the above and how it feeds into chocolate, radishes and the economic power of the female orgasm…and the tragedy of male sex drive.
If you want to catch up on the episode with Joseph Henrich talking about the WEIRD phenomenon of psychological studies, here it is.
Read the Pew Research about young people having less sex.