|
The 1960s in the United States are often perceived today as a period of profound societal change, one in which a great many politically minded individuals, who on the whole were young and educated, sought to influence the status quo. Attitudes to a variety of issues changed, sometimes radically, throughout the decade. The urge to 'find oneself', the activism of the 1960s, and the quest for autonomy were characterised by changes towards sexual attitudes at the time.〔M. J. Heale, ''The Sixties in America; History, Politics and Protest'', (Edinburgh University Press, 2001) pp. 13–14.〕 These changes to sexual attitudes and behavior during the period are often today referred to generally under the blanket metaphor of 'sexual revolution'.〔"A Report: The Sexual Revolution?" Tom W. Smith, ''The Public Opinion Quarterly'', Vol. 54, No. 3. (Autumn, 1990), p. 415 at ()〕 While the term 'revolution' implies radical and widespread change, this was not necessarily the case. Even in the 'liberal' sixties, conservative, traditionalist views were widely held, and many modern historians and social scientists are beginning to think that 'revolution' is too much of an overstatement.〔"A Report: The Sexual Revolution?" Tom W. Smith, ''The Public Opinion Quarterly'', Vol. 54, No. 3. (Autumn, 1990), p. 419 at ()〕 Most of the empirical data pertinent to the area only dates back to 1962, somewhat muddying the waters.〔"The Social Control of Sexuality", John DeLamater, ''Annual Review of Sociology'', Vol. 7. (1981), p. 263 at ()〕 Despite this, there were changes in sexual attitudes and practices, particularly among the young. Like much of the radicalism from the 1960s, the sexual revolution was often seen to have been centered on the university campus and students. With its roots in the first perceived sexual revolution in the 1920s, this 'revolution' in 1960s America encompassed many groups who are now synonymous with the era. Feminists, gay rights campaigners, hippies and many other political movements were all important components and facilitators of change. == Changes in social norms == The modern consensus is that the sexual revolution in 1960s America was typified by a dramatic shift in traditional values related to sex, and sexuality. Sex became more socially acceptable outside the strict boundaries of heterosexual marriage. Studies have shown that, between 1965 and 1974, the number of women who that had sexual intercourse prior to marriage showed a marked increase.〔"The Impact of the Female Marriage Squeeze and the Contraceptive Revolution on Sex Roles and the Women's Liberation Movement in the United States, 1960 to 1975", David M. Heer; Amyra Grossbard-Shechtman, ''Journal of Marriage and the Family'', Vol. 43, No. 1. (February 1981), pp. 49–65, at ()〕 The social and political climate of the 1960s was unique; one in which traditional values were often challenged loudly by a vocal minority. The various areas of society clamoring for change included the Civil Rights movement, (see SCLC and SNCC) the 'New Left', and women, with various women's rights organizations appearing in the latter years of the decade in particular. This climate of change led many, particularly the young, to challenge social norms. With the success that the Civil Rights movement was having, others who wanted change knew that the time was ripe for them to bring it about. The combination of liberal government, general economic prosperity, and the ever present threat of nuclear annihilation marked the 1960s apart from any decade that had come before it, and while conservatism was by no means dead, liberalism enjoyed a widespread revival, which helped to facilitate the climate in which the 'sexual revolution' took place. Indeed, Lyndon B. Johnson was the first acting president to endorse birth control, a hugely important factor in the change of American sexual attitudes in the 1960s. 抄文引用元・出典: フリー百科事典『 ウィキペディア（Wikipedia）』 ■ウィキペディアで「Sexual revolution in 1960s United States」の詳細全文を読む スポンサード リンク
|