Perry’s argument sheds light on the downside of the unregulated “free sexual marketplace,” where a few men benefit at the expense of women and society. This critique parallels criticisms of unregulated economic markets, where freedom benefits a select few (“Chads”) while disadvantaging many. It questions the idea of sexual liberation, noting that what liberates some can harm others.
One of the most compelling points Perry makes is the inherent inequality in sociosexuality between men and women. She notes, “Worldwide, there is a significant difference in average sociosexuality between the sexes, with men generally much keener to sow their wild oats than women are” (Perry, 2022, p. 1). This inequality in the sexual marketplace favors men’s desire for variety over women’s preference for committed relationships, due to biological and evolutionary factors. It puts women at a disadvantage in a society that glorifies casual sex.
Further exacerbating this issue is the psychological and emotional toll on women participating in hookup culture, a normative aspect of the free sexual marketplace. Perry highlights the adverse outcomes for women, stating, “Yet studies consistently find that following hookups, women are more likely than men to experience regret, low self-esteem and mental distress” (Perry, 2022, p. 4). This quote highlights the discrepancy between the societal glorification of casual sex and the disappointing reality many women face, with encounters often lacking in fulfillment. These negative experiences question the idea of the sexual marketplace as a place of freedom and liberation, revealing that it can instead be harmful and unequal.
The author’s argument points out how the free sexual marketplace disadvantages women and has broader societal implications. It emphasizes how prioritizing male desire over female well-being undermines equality and mutual respect, perpetuating a transactional view of sex. Perry calls for reevaluating the assumptions behind the free sexual marketplace to understand its impact on individuals and society.
Reference
Perry, L. (2022). How the sexual revolution has hurt women. The Wall Street Journal.