The 60's were a time a free love, loosened inhibitions, “sex and drugs and rock and roll.” It was a time where parents shuddered to think of what their teenagers and young adults were involved in, but there wasn't much they could do about it – society as a whole was changing. There were many things that contributed to the sexual revolution of the 60's – new information about human sexuality, psychedelic drugs, “the pill”, and an embracing of the counter-culture ideas of no conservatism and instead, individual freedom.
The Beginning Of
The first influence of the sexual revolution in the 60's began over a decade earlier. It was in 1948 that the Kinsey Report was released to the public, making sexuality a topic that was more talked about. The study was done over a period of nine years. The study asked a groundbreaking question – whether the person was gay, bi, or straight. This resulting in some then shocking discovery, that up to 10% of the population is gay. This information gave people a whole new way to look at homosexuality. From the study we also learned that nearly everyone masturbates. This was shocking to many people, but also brought sexuality more to the forefront of people's minds.
Masters & Johnson
About ten years later, in the late 50's, Masters & Johnson did a set of clinical studies in “Human Sexual Response” in a laboratory. Their resulting study was published and became a bestseller, as people enjoyed learning more about the science behind sex.
Freedom Of Expression
There were many “beat poets” and writers who wrote about sensuality and sexual experimentation as a way to really experience life. These include: Allen Ginsberg, Jack Kerouac, and William S. Burroughs. The lyrics of rock and roll music also were followed the themes of sex and yearning, things that had previously been repressed.
Thank You,
The generation who grew up in the 60's had a different attitude toward sex than did their parents. They were raised more liberally overall, with their parents reading “Dr. Benjamin Spock's Baby and Child Care” book. In this bestselling book, Dr. Spock encourages parents to allow their child to have freedom to explore their bodies, as well as have “sex play” with playmates. It was considered “normal” and not something to be concerned about or repressed.
The High Drug
The 60's were also a time of high drug use. The sexual revolution was also influenced by this, as Marijuana, alcohol, cocaine, and LDS are all drugs that help the body relax and not be as inhibited as it would be otherwise. Sex was just a big “turn on”, and the idea of “sex and marriage” belonging together, as a pair, was gone. Many people who were gay came out of the closet at this time, knowing that their peers were accepting of all types of sexuality.
Living Conditions
The 60's were also a time of communal living conditions, contributing to the sexual revolution. In these, there were rampant short-term relationships, and a lot of sexual experimentation. There were many orgiastic events, and groups such as the Sexual Freedom League were organized. Sex in public, while not common, was also not frowned upon and allowed to happen.
The Greatest
The largest thing that changed the role of women from mothers and housewives – and added fuel to the sexual revolution in a very dynamic way – was the contraceptive pill, or “The Pill.”
Now a woman and man could have sex without worrying about unplanned pregnancies. Other forms of contraceptives – the IUD and spermicidal cremes – were also popular at this time.
Fashions Support
The new styles that came out mid-way through the 60's supported this new sexuality for women. There was the mini-skirt, and the deep necklines. Many women burned their bras or wore see-through tops. The men love it, and the women flaunted their sexuality during the sexual revolution.
Check also other parts of History of Sex:
History Of Sex 1 - Ancient Cultures
History Of Sex 2 - India
History Of Sex 3 - Japanese culture
History Of Sex 4 - Roman empire
History Of Sex 5 - A Brief Look At The History Of Sex In China
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