First published 1998
Sexual negotiation has existed throughout human history. Philosopher Linda Hirshman and legal historian Jane Larson examine how power operates in heterosexual relationships through centuries of legal and social change. They trace a path from colonial punishments for adultery to the cultural shifts of the Kinsey Reports and Playboy era. The authors analyze influences ranging from Catholic doctrine to Freudian theory, showing how these forces shaped sexual norms. They explore recent Supreme Court cases that transformed sexual politics in America. The book moves beyond historical analysis to forecast future changes in sexual law and practice. The authors predict rape laws will evolve into sexual autonomy statutes, adultery will become grounds for contract disputes, and cohabitation will create financial obligations. They envision prostitution being regulated as unfair labor practice. This comprehensive examination offers readers fresh insight into contemporary sexual controversies and practical solutions for ongoing disputes about heterosexual relationships in American society.
Genres: history, gender-studies, sexuality, relationships, non-fiction, academic
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: historical-analysis, social-change
Period: Colonial Era, Kinsey Reports Era, Playboy Era, Contemporary
Hardcover · Oxford University Press
Content warnings: sexism, sexual-content