Growing Up: Sex in the Sixties

The 1960s were a time of liberation, joyful experimentation, and celebration of youth, but also of the permissive society and the battle between the urge to free the body from guilt and restraint and the desire to control, cannibalize, and exploit that liberation for profit or pleasure.

Format: Hardback
Length: 400 pages
Publication date: 04 November 2021
Publisher: Vintage Publishing

The 1960s were a time of immense cultural and social transformation, marked by a profound shift in attitudes towards sex and sexuality. This era was characterized by a sense of liberation, joyful experimentation, and celebration of youth, as young people embraced their individuality and freedom. The music, fashion, and drugs of the time played a significant role in shaping this cultural revolution, providing a platform for young people to express themselves and connect with others.

However, the 1960s were not without their challenges. The decade marked the advent of the permissive society, which challenged traditional authority authority values and common decency. This shift led to a breakdown of authority, family structures, and social norms, as people sought to explore their sexual desires and boundaries in new and exciting ways.

At the heart of this controversy was sex. The sexual revolution of the 1960s brought about a significant shift in attitudes towards sex, challenging the traditional notion of monogamy and promoting a more open and liberated approach to sexuality. This led to the emergence of new sexual practices, such as swinging, group sex, and homosexuality, which were previously taboo and stigmatized.

Growing Up takes an unflinching look at the dark underbelly of the sexual revolution. Author Peter Doggett has assembled a dozen little-known stories that reveal how the sexual revolution transformed people's lives. The book provides an honest, often disturbing portrait of the constant battle between two forces: the urge to free the body from guilt and restraint and the desire to control, cannibalize, and exploit that liberation for profit or pleasure.

This battle continues to divide opinion to this day, as people grapple with the ethical and moral implications of sexual liberation. While some argue that the sexual revolution was a positive force for social change, others argue that it led to a breakdown of traditional values and an increase in sexual violence and exploitation.

Growing Up is a valuable contribution to the ongoing debate about the 1960s and its impact on society. The book provides a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the sexual landscape of the 1960s, challenging readers to consider the complex and multifaceted nature of this era and its legacy. Whether you are a historian, social critic, or simply interested in learning more about this period of history, Growing Up is a must-read.

In conclusion, the 1960s were a time of immense cultural and social transformation, marked by a profound shift in attitudes towards sex and sexuality. While the era was characterized by liberation, joy, and experimentation, it was also marked by challenges and controversies, particularly in the realm of sex. Growing Up provides an insightful and thought-provoking exploration of the dark underbelly of the sexual revolution, challenging readers to consider the ethical and moral implications of sexual liberation and its impact on society.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 39 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781847924285