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词汇提示

1.permissive 放任的

2.sexual intercourse 性交

3.prostitution 卖淫

4.contraceptive 避孕

5.norms 标准

6.promiscuous 淫乱的

7.reversed 翻转

8.conservative 保守的

9.monogamous 单配的

10.exclusively 唯一地

11.spouse 配偶

12.commit adultery 通奸

原文

Sexual Attitudes and Behavior

During the past several decades，there have been major changes within most Western countries in people's attitudes toward sex，and in sexual behavior.

For people who have lived throughout this period，the changes have seemed quite remarkable.

Until the early twentieth century，people in most Western countries did not have permissive attitude regarding sexuality.

For the most part，young people were expected to wait until marriage before having sexual intercourse.

Of course，some premarital sexual did occur，and prostitution was not rare

However，sexual behavior was relatively restricted.

As the twentieth century progressed，there was a gradual trend toward liberalization of attitudes toward sex.

However，this trend was greatly speeded after 1960，when the first birth control pills became available.

These contraceptive pills made it possible for women to engage in sexual intercourse without much risk of an unwanted pregnancy.

As a result，many women were more willing to have premarital sex than was previously the case.

Also during the 1960s，Western countries were reaching high levels of wealth and education.

A new and very large generation of young people was approaching adulthood，and there was a mood of rebellion against traditional norms.

There was an increase in the number of people who engaged in sex before marriage，and also a greater openness about such behavior.

By the 1970s，sexual attitudes had became quite liberal，and many young people were very promiscuous in their sexual behavior.

However，this pattern reversed somewhat during the 1980s.

There was increased concern about sexual transmitted diseases，including AIDS；moreover，many young women had been uncomfortable with the idea of unrestricted sexual behavior.

As a result，sexual attitudes became slightly more conservative during the 1980s and 1990s although they remained much more liberal than in previous decades.

In the early twenty-first century，most young people in Western countries begin having sex during their high school years，although some people waited until they are considerably older.

Some young people are promiscuous，but most engage in monogamous relationships that typically last for a period several months or a few years.

When one relationship ends，another usually begins soon after.

This pattern usually continues until marriage.

After marriage，most people have sex exclusively with their spouse；however，some people do commit adultery.

Sexuality has changed a great deal in recent decades.

It will be very interesting to see how people's sexual attitudes and behavior will change in the future.