The Murdoch Newspapers have this week been plugging a book called Why Women Have Sex by Cindy Meston and David Buss. After surveying 1000 women they authors claim they know the “real reasons” why women have sex and say that desire, lust or attraction come a long way down the list.
The 1,006 women interviewed as research for the book gave some very surprising answers. One claimed she did it for a spiritual experience, because it is “the closest thing to God”. Others listed “cure for stress headache”, “to make my sexual skills better” and “for a clearer complexion”.
But the majority, 84 per cent, admit they have sex to ensure a quiet life or to bargain for their partners to carry out household chores. One said: “I have sex to relieve the boredom. Because it’s easier than fighting. Plus it gives me something to do.”
I’m not sure what to make of this research. I don’t doubt that women do have sex for a variety of reasons including keeping their husband happy. But this quote makes me a little suspicious:
Advertisement
Support independent, ethically made, award-winning porn. Bright Desire features all of my erotic films and writing. A membership to Bright Desire gets you access to every movie I've ever made and lets me keep making female friendly porn!
Click here to find out more.
-------------------------------------------------------
“Research has shown that most men find most women at least somewhat sexually attractive, whereas most women do not find most men sexually attractive at all,” the authors, who are both psychology professors at the University of Texas, conclude.
Um, what research is that? Because I’ve never heard of it and it seems a ridiculously broad thing to say about “most women.”
Add to that the way that the Murdoch papers, such as this report in the Courier Mail, seem keen to ramp up the idea that all women are just manipulating men using sex. It’s also shocked that a woman would have sex for sheer pleasure. “Rather than love or romance, for many women sex is just about fun,” says their report. No, really? You’re kidding me?
God I hate this kind of bull. First of all, this study further contributes to the idea that female sexuality is some kind of “problem” or “mystery” that needs to be solved. Second, the research is vague, and everyone knows that asking particular questions can result in particular answers. Third, where is the study that asks why men have sex? Oh wait, we all know the answer to that, right? Wrong.
I have to ask, did the researchers draw conclusions based in cultural/gender studies? Did they also poll women who identify as queer, lesbian etc? Or is this yet another heterosexist research project?
My thoughts exactly. This article really, really, really pissed me off. Thanks so much for chatting about it!
Thirded!
I have sex cuz I’m a horny B**** who has a lickably-delicious boyfriend. I’m sick of hearing how abnormal that is for my gender.
Statistical reports surrounding sexual behaviour should always be taken with a pinch of salt but ‘Why Women Have Sex’ really does insult the sensibilities. Yes we have desire, lust and sexual longing and thankfully in todays changing society any resistance to this fact is pretty futile.