Louise Perry: The Case Against The Sexual Revolution
Apr 13, 2023
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In this thought-provoking discussion, Louise Perry, a London-based journalist and author, critiques the sexual revolution in her book 'A Case Against The Sexual Revolution'. She dives into the complexities of feminist factions and the moral implications of sex commodification. The conversation highlights the harsh realities of the sex industry, including 'sex for rent', and the nuanced dynamics of consent in today's dating landscape. Perry emphasizes the urgent need to reevaluate societal norms surrounding gender, sexuality, and the emotional toll on women in modern relationships.
Male sexuality as the default creates pressure for women and overlooks their needs and experiences.
Luxury beliefs in the context of the sex industry can perpetuate disparities among women.
Psychological and physical differences between men and women contribute to societal disparities and underrepresentation.
Understanding socio-sexuality can help explain why sex buyers are predominantly male.
The complexity of addressing sexual violence requires broader frameworks beyond consent.
Deep dives
Sexuality and Social Pressure
The podcast episode discusses the problem of viewing male sexuality as the default and how it can lead to shame and social pressure for women. The speaker emphasizes that something that suits the interests of a few women shouldn't be seen as the norm, creating pressure for the majority. They also touch on the importance of consent and its limitations in determining the quality of sexual behavior.
Interview with Louise Perry
The episode features an interview with Louise Perry, the author of 'The Case Against the Sexual Revolution.' The book critiques liberal feminism and explores various topics related to sex, consent, violence, and women's well-being. Perry discusses the controversies surrounding her book and the responses she has received from different groups.
The Luxury Beliefs of the Elite
The speaker introduces the concept of 'luxury beliefs' by Rob Henderson, where certain beliefs confer status to elite individuals, while the costs are borne by the less privileged. They discuss the relevance of luxury beliefs in the context of prostitution and the sex industry, highlighting how the experiences of privileged individuals can be vastly different from those of women in more precarious situations.
Recognizing Psychological and Physical Differences
The podcast examines the psychological and physical differences between men and women, emphasizing that these differences exist on average and play a role in shaping behaviors and experiences. They discuss the implications of these differences in society, such as the underrepresentation of women in certain fields and the disparities in aggression and criminality.
Sexual Revolution and Socio-Sexuality
The podcast episode discusses the concept of socio-sexuality and its relation to the sexual revolution. It highlights that high socio-sexuality, characterized by a preference for casual sex and multiple partners, is more common among men. The podcast challenges the notion that this difference is solely a result of socialization, suggesting that it is an inherent difference between men and women. It emphasizes that understanding socio-sexuality can help explain why sex buyers are predominantly male.
Challenging Feminist Theory
The podcast delves into the disparity between feminist theory and the reality on the ground in relation to sexual violence. It explores the prevalence of sexual violence within relationships and families, highlighting that the majority of rape occurs in these contexts rather than in stranger encounters. The discussion critiques the focus on power and socialization as the primary explanations for rape, arguing for a consideration of biological factors and sexual desire. It acknowledges the complexity and controversy surrounding the topic, recognizing the need for sensitivity in addressing the issue.
Consent and Sexual Disenchantment
The podcast explores the role of consent in sexual encounters and the limitations of relying solely on consent as a framework for determining the morality of sexual behavior. It discusses the case of Aziz Ansari and the controversies surrounding claims of consent in their encounter. The podcast argues for a broader understanding of sexual interactions beyond consent, highlighting the importance of respect, dignity, and mutual understanding. It suggests that sexual disenchantment, the discrepancy between feminist rhetoric and reality, plays a role in perpetuating harmful norms and expectations.
Addressing Rape Culture
The podcast examines the concept of rape culture and its implications in college campuses. It questions the effectiveness of sexual consent workshops and the focus on educating potential rapists rather than addressing the environmental and opportunistic factors surrounding sexual violence. The discussion explores the complexities of addressing sexual violence within intimate relationships and families, as well as the challenges of legal prosecution. It acknowledges the need for ongoing efforts to prevent sexual violence and the potential trade-offs in terms of public messaging and victim-blaming concerns.
The Challenges of Modern Dating Culture
The podcast explores the challenges and complexities of modern dating culture, particularly for women. It discusses the importance of recognizing and addressing the power dynamics and risks involved in casual sexual relationships. The podcast highlights the need to listen to instincts and prioritize one's own well-being in navigating the sexual marketplace. It also presents the drawbacks of using dating apps and suggests the importance of engaging in activities that channel youthful male energy in positive ways.
Consent, BDSM, and the Normalization of Risky Behaviors
The podcast delves into the topics of consent and BDSM, discussing the difficult distinction between consensual activities and potential harm. It raises concerns about the normalization of risky behaviors like choking during sex and the potential for blurred lines between consensual acts and domestic abuse. The podcast emphasizes the need for caution and awareness in engaging in sexual activities and highlights the influence of mainstream media, such as pornography, in promoting harmful sexual scripts and arousal patterns.
Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion around sex and sexuality, sexual assault, rape and consent.
Louise Perry is a journalist and author based in London. She is a columnist for UnHerd and the director of The Other Half, a new non-partisan feminist think tank, and the host of Maiden Mother Matriarch, a podcast about sexual politics. Last year, Louise released her first book ‘A Case Against The Sexual Revolution’ and in this episode we break down each chapter in turn. The conversation does cover some pretty controversial topics so it’s worth remembering that, as with all our other episodes, we recommend you take what you hear with a pinch of salt, and take the points that resonate most with you.
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