SEXUALITY IN MARRIAGE: THE WOMAN’S MOVEMENT AND MARITAL SEX

The changing roles and status of women are rooted in the renaissance of feminism, the women’s movement which re-emerged in the late 1960s. These changes generally are toward greater equality for women, through the removal of historic oppression. Shifts toward greater power and participation for women now can be seen in the personal, social, political, and economic sectors of their lives. These changes affect sexuality in marriage either directly or indirectly.

1. Availability of birth control and abortion means that women now control their reproductive functions and can limit their fertility. Birth control also frees women to participate in and to enjoy sexual experiences without the fear of pregnancy.

2. Sex research, such as that of Masters and Johnson, Sherfey, and Hite, have brought to women a new awareness and appreciation of their own sexuality and its potential. The dissemination of such information to large numbers of the population has reduced inhibitions and changed expectations and behavior (Humphrey).

3. Opportunities for education and employment have brought women into contact with the outside world more than ever before and have provided them with the means for economic independence. Women are exposed to a greater number and variety of possible sex partners, increasing both their level of sophistication and the probability of extramarital sex experiences. Economic independence removes one source of inequality in marriage, as well as the need to remain in an incompatible situation.

4. The availability of alternative life styles— deferred marriage, staying single, non-marital cohabitation—again suggests options to a traditional marriage, which was until recently the most desirable and socially acceptable outcome for women.

5. The women’s movement has provided an intellectual and experiential framework within which women can find self-esteem, respect for other women, and supportive relations with others, both women and men, outside the old exclusive bonds of marriage.

6. Finally, the goal of egalitarian relationships between women and men promises to free both from old power and dominance roles, with their inherent components of exploitation and deceit, and to substitute more humane and satisfying relationships.

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