The Case Against the Sexual Revolution by Louise Perry : Book Review

As part of my research for my book Smart Teenage Muslimah, I read the book ‘The Case Against the Sexual Revolution’ by Louise Perry. Perry describes herself as a feminist who is critical of the mainstream feminist movement. She is often associated with the "conservative feminist" or "anti-feminist feminist" movement, which challenges some of the assumptions and priorities of mainstream feminism.

"I see myself as a feminist who is critical of the mainstream feminist movement. I believe in gender equality and women's rights, but I also believe in critical thinking and challenging conventional wisdom. I want to promote a more inclusive and nuanced discussion of gender and sexuality, one that takes into account the diverse experiences and perspectives of women." - interview with Perry by Andrew Doyle in The Critic, published on January 31, 2020.

As I delved into the book, I couldn't help but be struck by her words' raw honesty and piercing insight. Perry's book is a powerful critique of the Sexual Revolution and its negative impact on Western society. In her analysis, Perry exposes the damage that has been inflicted upon the traditional family structure and the values that underpin it. Perry argues that the Sexual Revolution was not a liberating force but had negative consequences, particularly for women.

The book's first section overviews the Sexual Revolution and its impact on society. Perry contends that the Sexual Revolution was not a spontaneous movement but was carefully orchestrated by intellectuals and activists. The author identifies several vital figures instrumental in promoting the Sexual Revolution, including Herbert Marcuse, Wilhelm Reich, and Betty Friedan. Perry asserts that these figures profoundly influenced society and that their ideas continue to shape our culture today.

One of the most compelling aspects of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution is Perry's willingness to confront the uncomfortable truths of our time. She writes, "We are living in a society that has embraced a new moral code, which prizes sexual pleasure above all else" (Perry, 2020, p. 3). This new moral code has led to a proliferation of pornography, casual sex, and other forms of sexual indulgence, eroding our communities' social fabric.

Perry's critique of the Sexual Revolution is unapologetically feminist, as she notes how the movement has undermined women's dignity and autonomy. "The Sexual Revolution has not been good for women," Perry writes. "It has turned women into objects of desire rather than autonomous individuals with their own desires and aspirations" (Perry, 2020, p. 22). Her examination of how the Sexual Revolution has perpetuated gender inequality is insightful and necessary.

One of the most impressive aspects of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution is Perry's ability to connect the dots between seemingly disparate social phenomena. She notes, for example, that the rise of hookup culture and the decline of the traditional family structure are not separate issues but intimately connected. She writes, "The Sexual Revolution has contributed to the breakdown of the traditional family structure by promoting a culture of casual sex and temporary relationships" (Perry, 2020, p. 62). This kind of analysis is crucial for understanding the complex ways social phenomena intersect and interact with one another.

One of the strengths of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution is the depth of research that the author has conducted. Perry provides numerous examples to support her arguments and draws on various sources, including academic studies, historical documents, and contemporary news articles. This level of research lends credibility to her views and makes her book a valuable resource for anyone interested in the impact of the Sexual Revolution on society.

Perry's views are grounded in her own personal experiences and observations, as well as a wide range of research and data. She presents a convincing case that the Sexual Revolution has had far-reaching and damaging consequences for our society. However, her assertions have not gone unchallenged.

Detractors of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution argue that Perry's analysis is overly simplistic and fails to take into account the many benefits that the Sexual Revolution has brought about. For example, in a review for The Guardian, Eleanor Morgan argues that Perry's book "ignores the fact that many of us would rather live in a world where we have greater sexual agency, less shame, and more autonomy over our own bodies" (Morgan, 2020). Morgan's critique highlights the tension between traditional values and the desire for greater personal freedom and autonomy.

Other critics of The Case Against the Sexual Revolution argue that Perry's analysis is rooted in a conservative worldview that is not representative of all members of society. In a review for The New Statesman, Amelia Tait notes that Perry's book "assumes that everyone has the same desire for a traditional family structure and conservative sexual values" (Tait, 2020). Tait's critique highlights the need for a more nuanced and inclusive discussion of these issues.

Despite these critiques, I believe The Case Against the Sexual Revolution is an essential book. While it is true that for sexually promiscuous liberals, the Sexual Revolution has brought about positive changes, it is also true that negative consequences must be addressed for women and families. Perry's willingness to confront these issues head-on is a welcome and refreshing change from the often superficial and politically correct discussions that dominate our public discourse.

Despite the power and insight of Perry's analysis, her argument has some weaknesses. For example, she tends to oversimplify the causes of certain social phenomena. She argues, for instance, that the Sexual Revolution is solely responsible for the decline in birth rates in Western countries. While the Sexual Revolution has undoubtedly played a role in this decline, other factors, such as economic changes and changing social norms, also contribute to this trend.

Although I found myself agreeing with a lot of things, Perry wrote. Ultimately I could not agree with her solutions or her foundational principles. As a Muslim, I believe in submission and obedience to Allah, not my desires; I choose what Allah chooses for me. "I think women are capable of making their own choices and decisions, and we need to trust and respect that. It's not our place to tell women what they should or shouldn't do with their bodies or their lives." - Interview with Perry by Joanna Williams in Spiked, published on January 29, 2020.

Overall, however, The Case Against the Sexual Revolution is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the profound changes that have taken place in Western society over the past several decades. Perry's fearless analysis of the movement and its impact is a wake-up call for us to re-examine our values and priorities. As she writes, "We need to reclaim the values of love, commitment, and sacrifice that have been eroded by the Sexual Revolution" (Perry, 2020, p. 194). The Case Against the Sexual Revolution is a powerful and timely reminder of the urgent need to do just that.