Introduction to Sociology
February 11, 2010
The Sexual Revolution
During the last century many influences, factors, and events have changed the way Americans approach sexuality. Today the more acceptable term to summarize this occurrence is The Sexual Revolution and Sexual Counter-revolution. The sexual revolution occurred in Western Europe and the United States, during the 1960s and 1970s. The counter revolution that followed this was a result of Ronald Regan, who worried about Americans new promiscuity, he believed that sex was losing its meaning , he thought that it was special and people were using it as a means for pleasure and causality, this time was all about bringing back sexual morals and family values . The period of sexual revolution was a time where a lot of controversial topics were raised and where there were a huge open mildness’ about sexual activities. Topics such as abortions, adult film industry, and also premarital sex. Premarital sex was a big concern during this time; in the 1950s about 25 percent of the American population thought premarital sex was acceptable then in the 1970s about 25 percent of them thought it was not. This is a big change in the conservatism. Also during this time singles bar, adult film industry grew to become imbedded in American society. Sexual orientation was a big contraversiary during the revolution. Many people believe that what gave way for the end of this revolution was the discovery of the Hiv virus and many other sexually transmitted diseases. Reason being , people took this as a caution, but today people are still having a lot of premarital and even non protected sex.People were and are still today torn between if gay or bi orientation is acceptable or not. I think that sexual orientation is affected by 4 out of the 4 agents of socialization; family, peer groups, schooling and the mass media. These all play a big role in determining a person’s sexual orientation when a person