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Around the world Quote by Christopher Ryan

“If women were as libidinous as men, we’re told, society itself would collapse. Lord Acton was only repeating what everyone knew in 1875 when he declared, “The majority of women, happily for them and for society, are not very much troubled with sexual feeling of any kind.” And yet, despite repeated…” quote by Christopher Ryan
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““If women were as libidinous as men, we’re told, society itself would collapse. Lord Acton was only repeating what everyone knew in 1875 when he declared, “The majority of women, happily for them and for society, are not very much troubled with sexual feeling of any kind.” And yet, despite repeated assurances that women aren’t particularly sexual creatures, in cultures around the world men have gone to extraordinary lengths to control female libido: female genital mutilation, head-to-toe chadors, medieval witch burnings, chastity belts, suffocating corsets, muttered insults about “insatiable” whores, pathologizing, paternalistic medical diagnoses of nymphomania or hysteria, the debilitating scorn heaped on any female who chooses to be generous with her sexuality…all parts of a worldwide campaign to keep the supposedly low-key female libido under control. Why the electrified high-security razor-wire fence to contain a kitty-cat?””

Christopher Ryan

About This Quote

Source Book: Sex at Dawn, 2010

Historical suppression of female sexuality reflects patriarchal control, despite natural sexual drives being similar across genders

In simple terms: Society has long tried to limit women's sexuality through cultural and medical means

Key Takeaway

Recognize and challenge gendered sexual double standards

Themes

gender sexuality power history culture

Mood

critical reflective

Type

analytical social

When to use this quote

  • gender studies courses
  • activist workshops
  • policy reform discussions
  • media analysis

Key Concepts

patriarchy social control sexual norms

Questions to Reflect On

  • What mechanisms perpetuate sexual double standards?
  • How can we foster healthier attitudes toward female sexuality?
A Different Perspective

Cultural change is slow and faces entrenched resistance

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