The Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality states that "Women are more likely than men to feel that a poor sex life is an unfortunate, but separate part of the couple’s relationship. Men are more likely to feel that a poor sex life undermines the entire relationship."
While some of their research goes back to the late 1990's, it is difficult to believe the full breadth of this research. Times have changed, in a variety of ways. There is research that the physical strength of women is increasing more rapidly than that of men; but that is just a semblance of what changes are occurring in our society among women and men.
Just as womens' physical state is advancing so to is there thinking. And this brings us to the topic in this article.
This is completely non-scientific in nature, merely an opportunity to share a few thoughts.
As times have changed regarding sexuality and the liberation of women's commitment requirements, sex for women seems also to have emerged in a whole new light. Women are no longer locked down due to advances in the medical industry i.e. The Pill. Other advances in the Day After product, also allow women to have more control over the outcome of pregnancy. Controls such as these also play a role in what opportunities women have; in the workplace, among competitors etc.
Emerging on the other side, women of today could very easily feel differently about the role of sex in a relationship. Most importantly perception of a poor sex life with a partner has also evolved. Television programs seem to be an accurate reflection about the more carefree nature of female sexuality, e.g. Sex In The City, promiscuity, and sexuality experiences for pleasure rather than commitment. This is not a broad statement of the character of women today, but rather a suggestion that the opportunities for vastly different perspectives on how women are expected to behave is different. Rather than this being a bad thing, it is really just a thing-- call it evolution of the woman.
With downturns in religious commitments, increase in divorce rates and a broader length of time women are remaining unwed, all seem to trend towards a more independently minded woman. And it seems that the line between women and men's belief that sex undermines the entire relationship, might be thinning.
I welcome the change, not in terms of a value system of ones integrity but rather the equanimity between men and women. Sure we are different physiological creatures wired differently psychology, but what lies over the horizon for society can only be great, a place where the other is challenged by the privileges of control.
