FoC 183: Rethinking the Ethics of Modern Sex with Christine Emba

The sexual revolution was supposed to usher in a whole new world of freedom for women. Now, decades later, did it offer us what it promised? Christine Emba is examining just that question. Are women happy with the current dating landscape? Are they having lots of fantastic casual sex? According to Christine’s new book, Rethinking Sex, it seems the answer is no. Young women are not thrilled with the dating landscape. They are frustrated and discouraged.

Christine went to Princeton and studied public and international affairs. She’s also a Catholic convert. Over time she discovered that she was so interested in exploring ideas and culture that she was drawn to a career in journalism–before long she was writing an opinion column at the Washington Post! Her new book is thought-provoking, sometimes depressing, and incredibly insightful. What’s wrong with the way we treat sex in our culture? What’s the way forward?

In this episode we talk about the #metoo movement helped to bring important conversations about consent to the forefront–but these conversations aren’t enough. We talk about how dehumanizing the current dating landscape is and how avoiding acknowledging the differences between men and women (including fertility and vulnerability to sexual assault and coercion) ends up harming women. We talk about the short story Cat Person that opened the door for conversations about bad sex and how common this experience is for women in our hookup culture. While our society isn’t excited about accepting Catholic teaching regarding human sexuality, we can find common ground in acknowledging that the current landscape is bad for women, they deserve better, and we must promote changes that respect the dignity of the human person. It’s a fascinating conversation so grab a cup of coffee and enjoy!

Connect with Christine:

* Christine’s Column at the Washington Post* Christine’s Twitter

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