Question

Explain the significance of the sexual revolution and the sexual counterrevolution. What changed in each case? How do these opposing trends show that U.S. society is of two minds - permissive and restrictive - regarding sexuality? Do you think that our society is becoming more accepting or less accepting of diversity in sexual behavior? Why? (explain in detail)

Answer 1

American Society was mimicking England’s Victorian life style and the Christian religious values. So, pre-marital and extra-marital sex was considered to be a punishable offense and the Puritan movement started condemning the practice of prostitutes but tolerated the men who approached prostitutes. The society was thrusting on the strength of men and purity of women which was also the case of many societies.

Sexual Revolution: The increased number of women attending educational institutions, getting jobs, the introduction of birth control and the condom use revolutionized the way women were controlling their reproduction system. Especially, World Wars introduced people to extra-marital and pre-marital sex in different countries they were stationed. They were also supplied with condoms by their regiments. It started somewhere in the late 19^th century and continued till 1960s.

Sexual Counter-Revolution: During 1970s, because of the free sex culture sexually transmitted diseases such as STD, AIDS etc. threatened the entire society. So, Sexual Counter-Revolution was initiated in order to control the impact of sexually transmitted diseases in the society and propagating safe sex.

Our society is accepting all the changes that come on its way as long as it protects the rights of the individuals. In my point of view, it should also regulate the rights with a limit, otherwise the government may not be protecting its citizens as a society just like the gun culture that tears the society down. Sex is a private affair, so consenting people can do anything inside the four walls which do not affect the society but they need to be careful in not spreading diseases to other people that would later challenge the society.