
60 segments available
Louise Perry is a British journalist and host of the ‘Maiden Mother Matriarch’ podcast. She is also press officer for the charity, ‘We Can’t Consent To This’ and author of the book, ‘The Case Against The Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21st Century’. 0:00 Intro 02:21 What are you trying to achieve?? 04:24 What does society disagree with you on? 05:00 The trade-offs of the contraceptive pill 06:09 How has sexual culture changed? 07:38 Working in a rape crisis centre 10:28 How to channel men's aggression in the right direction 12:38 The physical differences between men and women 14:07 How men and women differ in their view on sexuality 15:37 Why men are more likely to have casual sex 18:38 How does a culture of casual sex impact women 24:10 Repercussions of casual sex in society 29:33 The lack of communication and education is hurting both genders 31:57 Why women have icks towards men 34:09 Women should listen to their icks 38:49 Women's 6th sense 41:41 There are some jobs women shouldn't do due to biology 47:23 Heroic masculinity 49:01 Social media affecting our view on relationships & dating 51:33 Wait until engagement to have sex 56:50 The dating crisis 01:01:20 Why you should have sex before marriage 01:04:08 Why is marriage good 01:08:12 How likely you're to get divorced 01:11:41 Step-parents vs biological parents 01:15:26 Why are you saying these unpopular opinions 01:20:29 The decline in birth rates 01:25:55 What porn is doing to your brain 01:30:55 Is reproduction at the heart of male motivation? 01:31:42 Unwanted choking during sex 01:34:03 Should we ban porn? 01:41:15 What are we attracted to? 01:45:29 Better looking people bias 01:48:44 The last guest's question You can purchase Louise’s book, ‘The Case Against The Sexual Revolution: A New Guide to Sex in the 21st Century’, here: https://amzn.to/4bckkWu Follow Louise: Twitter - https://bit.ly/4b5X4cK YouTube - https://bit.ly/3RtSEVW
Louise Perry discusses the inherent risks of casual sex for women, emphasizing that it often leads to emotional distress due to women's tendency to bond more deeply through sexual encounters. She argues that the current culture prioritizes male preferences, which can result in significant emotional and physical consequences for women.
"I think casual sex is almost always more risky for women than it's worth it why because one the things you're saying you know that they're unpopular but you're saying them anyway yeah why parents are ..."
Louise shares her personal journey as she enters the 'baby season' of her life, reflecting on the societal expectations of women and the conflicts that arise when balancing motherhood with public life. She highlights the profound impact of the contraceptive pill on women's roles in society and the choices it affords.
"life what is your objective and why is that your objective well as is kind of obvious I'm in the having baby season of my life it's a really interesting experience being living the the the exact um so..."
Louise Perry addresses the societal belief that the contraceptive pill has had an unambiguously positive impact on women's lives. She argues that there are significant trade-offs and ambiguities that are often overlooked, particularly regarding the implications for birth rates and sexual culture.
"as it relates to these issues I think that most people well most people I think that the kind of dominant narrative is that this is has been an unambiguously good thing and there's been no tradeoffs a..."
Perry discusses how sexual culture has evolved, particularly since the sexual revolution, and the implications this has for both men and women. She notes that while some men may benefit from the changes, many women experience negative consequences, particularly younger women.
"I suppose it depends on which area of your life you're talking about so I think that one of the things at the pill another reliable contraception one of the ways in which it's magical and really good ..."
Louise critiques the sexual revolution, suggesting that it has primarily benefited a small subset of men, while many women feel the adverse effects. She emphasizes the psychological differences between men and women regarding sexuality and how these differences shape their experiences in a culture that favors male preferences.
"that it is shifted towards uh and you be careful here because I don't want to I don't what I don't want to say is that um the sexual revolution has been fabulous for men in general I think that a lot ..."
Louise reflects on her experiences working at a rape crisis center, which challenged her previous beliefs about gender equality. She discusses the biological underpinnings of male aggression and the importance of addressing these issues to protect young women.
"what sort of upbringing has informed the way that you see the world I started off as a very kind of basically holding the mainstream Progressive view being very very kind of conventional in my thinkin..."
Perry explores the biological differences between men and women, particularly in terms of aggression and sexuality. She argues that understanding these differences is crucial for addressing issues like sexual violence and for providing better guidance to young women.
"yeah yeah so there clearly is an element of people are sort of um making decisions based on Social Power structures and so on but I know when it comes down to it um this is a biological phenomenon it'..."
Louise discusses the inherent dangers of casual sex for women, including the risks of unwanted pregnancy and emotional distress. She emphasizes that the consequences of casual encounters disproportionately affect women, highlighting the need for more honest discussions about these realities.
"psychological differences between men and women are Central to understanding how we should respond and behave and the advice that we should give to men and women um we should probably talk about what ..."
Louise examines the psychological differences between men and women regarding casual sex, noting that men generally express a greater desire for casual encounters. She references studies that illustrate this disparity and discusses its implications for sexual culture.
"big clue because you might say and some people do say like there are these studies they're quite funny where researchers will go on to University campuses and get an attractive woman an attractive man..."
Perry provides an evolutionary perspective on women's preferences for monogamy and commitment in sexual relationships. She explains how the potential consequences of sex, such as pregnancy, shape women's choices and desires in the context of casual sex.
"within our wiring in men and women that makes us have a different sort of sort of proclivity towards sex casual sex um why does that have a consequence that's negative for women basically what women a..."
Louise Perry addresses the empathy gaps between men and women regarding sexual encounters. She explains how men often misinterpret women's willingness to engage in casual sex, while women may not fully understand the pressures men face in dating. This lack of understanding contributes to the complexities of modern sexual dynamics.
"lot of young women kind of go along with it that they they I know this is this is kind of surprising to men right and I've spoken to men about this who who find this completely amusing they're like wh..."
Perry discusses the social pressures young women face to conform to casual sex norms, often leading them to engage in sexual activities they do not genuinely desire. She highlights the psychological impact of wanting to appear 'cool' and the resulting conflicts that arise from these societal expectations.
"and they want to be approved you know one of the features of teenage girl psychology and maybe this is into the 20s as well but particularly teenage girls is teenage girls are so so concerned about wh..."
Louise Perry explores how teenage girls are particularly sensitive to social norms and peer approval, which can lead to unhealthy sexual choices. She draws parallels between historical instances of social contagion and modern behaviors, emphasizing the importance of recognizing these patterns in understanding women's sexual experiences.
"that being approved is incredibly cringe has taken hold really really effectively among this group of girls and so you know I'll I'll talk to girls or or read or listen to girls saying like you know I..."
Perry explains how the dynamics of sexual encounters have shifted from clear expectations to negotiations, particularly with the advent of the contraceptive pill. She discusses how this shift has led to earlier sexual encounters and the complexities that arise from these changes in dating culture.
"do it without it being without pregnancy being at high risk um and I think it's all ends up being Downstream of that that it then changes like it basically used to be you can actually read accounts of..."
Louise Perry highlights the ambiguity that often characterizes modern dating scenarios, using the Aziz Ansari case as an example. She discusses how miscommunication and social pressures can lead to misunderstandings and negative experiences for both men and women in casual sexual encounters.
"play basically where women would like to wait longer before they have sex and men would like to have sex sooner and there's always this sort of voling back and forth like who is going who's going to w..."
Perry addresses how alcohol exacerbates misunderstandings in sexual situations, particularly for men who may misinterpret signals of interest. She emphasizes the importance of clear communication and understanding the effects of alcohol on decision-making in sexual encounters.
"Revolution that kind of conflict where there's that degree of ambiguity it wasn't that unreasonable for him to think that sex would be a like would happen it wasn't that unreasonable the problem that ..."
Louise Perry discusses the emotional consequences of casual sex for women, noting that many report feelings of disgust and regret after such encounters. She explains the evolutionary basis for these feelings and how they reflect deeper societal issues regarding women's sexual health and well-being.
"you're going to end up with these um these I guess tragedies right of people not understanding one another so sex becoming a negotiation now at when historically it wasn't such a negotiation and there..."
Perry encourages women to trust their instincts in sexual situations, referencing the book 'The Gift of Fear.' She discusses how being attuned to subtle cues can help women navigate potentially dangerous situations and emphasizes the importance of self-awareness in sexual encounters.
"for people who had had casual sex of some kind or another right who participated in this culture and I I sort of pulled the questions from my male and female friends um and uh one of the questions for..."
Louise Perry reflects on how first impressions can significantly impact dating, using humorous examples to illustrate how seemingly trivial details can influence attraction. She discusses the evolutionary implications of these preferences and how they relate to long-term relationship potential.
"a really interesting expression isn't it it's the uh women use it to mean when they're like they like man and then suddenly something s switches and they get the yck and all of a sudden they're like o..."
Louise Perry discusses the importance of women listening to their instincts and recognizing subtle cues in men during dating. She references the book 'The Gift of Fear' by Gavin de Becker, emphasizing that women often have an innate ability to sense danger, which can be overlooked in social situations. This segment highlights the evolutionary basis for these instincts and the consequences of ignoring them.
"like messy disorganized not very grown up yeah or maybe you don't have maybe you're living at someone else's house maybe and that's maybe you're move don't have much money she I guess she's looking fo..."
In this segment, Perry elaborates on the concept of fear as a protective instinct, particularly for women. She shares anecdotes illustrating how women often ignore their gut feelings about potential threats, leading to dangerous situations. The discussion underscores the evolutionary significance of these instincts and the need for women to trust their feelings in social interactions.
"something I think Oprah made it quite a big deal and uh it's about it's by a um I think you to be a bodyguard he's like a personal security expert and he tells all these stories it's mostly about wome..."
Louise Perry explains the unique threats women face regarding sexual violence and how their instincts are finely tuned to recognize danger. She discusses the evolutionary implications of these instincts and how they manifest in women's awareness of their surroundings. This segment emphasizes the importance of acknowledging these differences in understanding societal safety.
"brains know are actually very wise about a lot of these things women's more than men's in that regard interesting question I would guess probably yes because particularly in relation to the sexual vio..."
Perry and her co-host discuss the complexities of women's roles in policing, particularly in frontline positions. They explore the physical differences between men and women and how these impact performance in high-stress situations. This segment raises questions about the standards for physical roles and the implications of gender diversity in law enforcement.
"extent you know you know the 15-year-old girls they do have these instincts so they they have some degree of like inbuilt protective instincts but they also they do also lack life experience um which ..."
In this segment, the conversation shifts to the concept of heroic masculinity, highlighting instances where men have acted courageously in crises. Perry contrasts this with the evolving role of women in similar situations, discussing how societal expectations shape responses to danger. The segment examines the nuances of gender roles in emergency scenarios.
"always don't have the problem with this individual but then all of the women in my organization have a problem with this person and so over time I've learned that maybe I don't have the radar and mayb..."
Louise Perry discusses the differences in physical courage between men and women, particularly in emergency situations. She highlights how women can exhibit extraordinary strength when protecting their children, while also addressing the societal implications of these gender differences. This segment emphasizes the need for a balanced understanding of physical capabilities in various roles.
"some places I mean I think there probably is an argument for in like the hiring process for example exactly exactly I think there are probably some roles where or indeed things like like in policing f..."
Perry and her co-host explore the modern phenomenon of the 'ick' in dating, discussing how social media influences perceptions of potential partners. They argue that heightened standards and expectations can hinder relationships, leading to increased pickiness and missed connections. This segment delves into the impact of societal pressures on dating dynamics.
"service as well to for people to notice the fact that there are fewer say female firefighters and therefore to lower the the physical demands to get more female firefighters in what if the what if the..."
In this segment, the discussion focuses on how dating apps contribute to unrealistic expectations in relationships. Perry argues that these platforms encourage superficial judgments, which can prevent meaningful connections. The conversation highlights the importance of in-person interactions and the role of chemistry in attraction.
"like engineering it such that you have 50-50 in every role I think that that's a recipe for disaster so but just to be clear on this point because you said um you don't think women should be involved ..."
Louise Perry suggests that waiting until engagement to have sex may lead to healthier relationships. She discusses the implications of sexual encounters on emotional connections and the potential benefits of delaying intimacy. This segment emphasizes the importance of commitment in fostering deeper relationships.
"thing I mean we talked about right at the beginning this thing like you know the testosterone curve for men in their teens 20s 30s it has its disadvantages it translates into sexual violence and viole..."
Louise Perry discusses the challenges of modern dating, highlighting how social media and dating apps contribute to unrealistic expectations and increased pickiness among women. She argues that this pickiness can hinder genuine connections and intimacy, as many women set arbitrary standards that exclude a significant portion of potential partners.
"that um she's been on about she goes on about 100 dates a year and she's she's like I think she's actually starting a dating podcast because she's that unsuc sucessful at dating and in my head I go I ..."
Perry advocates for waiting until engagement to have sex, explaining the emotional and social implications of casual relationships. She emphasizes that delaying sexual intimacy allows for clearer decision-making and helps women avoid emotional pitfalls associated with casual encounters.
"again um yeah there are 100% women who are way too picky definitely definitely we we talked a second ago about how the introduction of the pill and how that caused negotiation in this first sort of en..."
Louise Perry reflects on the historical context of marriage and sexual norms, arguing that societies need structure and conventions to regulate relationships. She critiques the sexual revolution's rejection of traditional norms, suggesting that it has led to instability and confusion in modern relationships.
"seemed like more reasonable um and more achievable and also because my mom said to me when I was she read the draft she was like if you say this if you say wait till engagement or marriage that's the ..."
Perry discusses the implications of monogamous versus polygamous systems, highlighting how monogamy can promote social stability. She points out the potential downsides of polygamous societies, including increased domestic violence and social unrest, and argues for the benefits of monogamous marriage.
"thing right that you have to get right it's really it's like a it's like this enormous coordination problem you've got to find the right person you've got to find them at the right time you've got to ..."
Louise Perry examines how fatherhood influences men's behavior, particularly in terms of aggression and social responsibility. She notes that becoming a father often leads to a decrease in testosterone levels, which can result in more stable and committed relationships, benefiting society as a whole.
"too and I think every culture has marriage customs of some kind apart from ours sort of like what makes us think that we alone among peoples can just have a free-for-all can just you know style it out..."
Perry emphasizes the significance of commitment in romantic relationships, particularly for women. She discusses the emotional risks associated with casual sex and the importance of having a partner who is willing to commit, especially in the context of potential pregnancy.
"interesting things about going back to testosterone when men um have children and get married their testosterone levels drop they become less aggressive like in the year after baby's born men commit l..."
Louise Perry highlights the differences in emotional bonding between men and women during sexual encounters. She argues that women are more likely to form emotional attachments, which can lead to heartache in casual relationships, and suggests that waiting for commitment can mitigate these risks.
"that if you um are to have a daughter in the future I know you've got a son already and you've got another boy on the way but if you are to have a daughter in the future and that daughter comes up to ..."
Perry discusses the dramatic shift in societal attitudes towards casual sex, particularly among younger generations. She contrasts the current acceptance of casual sex with historical perspectives, raising concerns about the implications for relationships and commitment.
"to do but anyway um women get more emotionally bonded from sex than men do and then you do end up with this um kind of asymmetry which comes up in in the group chat right of like she basically is more..."
Louise Perry argues that marriage remains a crucial institution for both men and women, particularly in providing stability during child-rearing. She critiques feminist arguments against marriage, asserting that it offers essential support during periods when women cannot participate fully in the labor market.
"one it's pretty crazy how significant the shift in attitudes towards casual sex have changed I was reading some research earlier that said 67% of genen Z think it's justifiable to have casual sex comp..."
Louise Perry discusses the profound changes that occur during motherhood, emphasizing that mothers and babies are not completely autonomous individuals. She shares her personal experience of breastfeeding and highlights the biological and psychological transformations that come with caring for a newborn, illustrating the deep bond and dependency between mother and child.
"are flawed is that the nature of carrying children is that you have a period of some period of time where you cannot participate in the labor market right where you're too pregnant you've got a newbor..."
Perry explores the necessity of having another adult, typically the father, to support mothers during the demanding early stages of child-rearing. She discusses various societal solutions, including communal child-rearing and state support, while arguing that historically, the father's role has been crucial in providing stability and support for mothers and children.
"uh the child psychotherapist um Donald winot said there's no such thing as a baby there's only a baby and someone right babies can't survive on their own and normally that's someone is the mother and ..."
Louise Perry delves into the complexities of marriage and divorce, citing statistics on divorce rates and the societal pressures that contribute to marital dissatisfaction. She argues that the culture of divorce can lead to regrettable decisions, particularly during the challenging first year after a child is born, and emphasizes the importance of considering the long-term impacts on children.
"just to really interrogate this further because I feel like I'm in two minds about it a okay a because of the stats show that 56% you know ended marriage of divorce and you've kind of rebutted that be..."
Perry introduces the concept of the 'Cinderella Effect' in evolutionary psychology, explaining the increased risks children face when living with stepparents. She discusses the implications of genetic investment in parenting and how this affects child welfare, highlighting the need for awareness around the potential risks associated with blended families.
"there's that the other thing is that there is a lot of uh it's not just it's true yes that the people who have multiple marriages are more likely to get some people can be kind of Serial offenders in ..."
In this segment, Perry emphasizes the significance of biological connections in parenting, arguing that genetic ties foster a deeper commitment to child welfare. She discusses the challenges faced by stepparents and the subtle biases that can arise in blended families, advocating for a better understanding of these dynamics in child-rearing.
"I know and obviously I you have to be careful I'm not I'm obviously not saying that all stepar parents are abusive by any means we're just talking about risk yeah but it does go up by a lot and what w..."
Louise Perry reflects on the societal perception of motherhood versus career ambitions, arguing that the stigma against being a stay-at-home mom is deeply sexist. She discusses the importance of elevating feminine roles and the societal pressures that lead women to undervalue motherhood, advocating for a more balanced view of women's choices.
"significant risk thing I had this woman called Katie F on my podcast a little while ago who um is a uh American campaigner for children's rights and she said try this okay Google my my my mom's boyfri..."
Perry addresses the significant decline in birth rates globally, discussing the potential political and economic consequences. She highlights the correlation between affluence and reduced fertility rates, exploring the complexities behind this trend and its implications for future generations.
"about adoption and implications is is it adopted child being with a family better than than being I think definitely but I mean this is one of the reasons why adopt adoption agencies are so careful an..."
In this segment, Perry examines the paradox of affluence leading to lower birth rates, discussing how increased wealth can disincentivize childbearing. She explores the psychological factors that may contribute to this trend, including mortality salience and societal expectations surrounding family life.
"book how is it surprised you and when I ask that I'm asking in terms of like who is sending you messages and what they're saying I would say probably the two most common groups of readers are um dads ..."
Louise Perry concludes by discussing the need to reevaluate societal perceptions of women's roles, particularly in relation to motherhood. She advocates for recognizing the value of traditional feminine roles and challenges the notion that success is solely defined by career achievements, promoting a more inclusive understanding of women's choices.
"know they they had this process of uh conforming to something that was bad for them I hear from a lot of those women um and and you know in many cases like I have had two women in me recently to say t..."
Louise Perry discusses the surprising correlation between affluence and declining fertility rates across the globe. She explains how increased GDP per capita leads to lower birth rates, challenging common assumptions about family planning in wealthy societies. Perry highlights that this trend is not limited to Western nations but is evident in various regions, including Northeast Asia and the Middle East.
"issues that sort of attracts Just So Stories people will often be quite confident about oh it's this oh it's this you know oh it's feminism oh it's capitalism whatever I think that the single factor t..."
In this segment, Perry explores the concept of mortality salience and its influence on reproductive behavior. She explains how reminders of death, such as during wartime, can lead to baby booms as people respond to the fear of mortality by wanting to create new life. This psychological phenomenon raises questions about the motivations behind family planning in affluent societies.
"make people less inclined to have children one factor probably is it's a bit morbid but mortality salience when people um this seems to be why there are postwar baby booms it's not actually because al..."
Louise Perry addresses the effects of pornography on sexual health and relationships. She references a study indicating that excessive porn consumption can lead to decreased brain function related to sexual stimulation. Perry discusses the increasing number of women consuming porn and the implications this has for sexual dynamics and health.
"what is going on in South Korea why do no one have it's a really good question it's a really good question they seem to just have like all the problems that we have but more okay it's like hyper versi..."
Perry introduces the concept of 'death grip syndrome,' where excessive masturbation, often influenced by porn, leads to decreased sexual sensitivity. She discusses anecdotal evidence suggesting that abstaining from porn can improve sexual health and urges a reevaluation of how pornography affects men's sexual drive and relationships.
"produced and even when some porn claims to be ethically produced it's often like those claims are often actually very shoddy and there's a lot of like it is prostitution it's prostitution with the cam..."
In this thought-provoking segment, Perry coins the term 'cultural death grip syndrome,' suggesting that the hyper-availability of sexual stimuli through technology diminishes the drive to form meaningful relationships. She reflects on personal experiences and societal trends, emphasizing how easy access to porn can lead to a lack of motivation for real-life connections.
"reduces people's drive to form relationships because it's like sex loses a Mystique 100% yeah 100% I'm thinking about a lot of um scenarios in my own life where I was many many years ago when I was wa..."
Louise Perry discusses the normalization of violent sexual practices, such as choking, among younger generations, attributing this trend to the influence of pornography. She highlights alarming statistics regarding unwanted choking and the psychological impact of porn on sexual scripts, raising concerns about consent and safety in modern sexual encounters.
"right it kind of kills that natural um it kills that natural drive it kills that natural motivating force which um is very very compelling for young men you think reproduction is at the very heart of ..."
In this segment, Perry debates the potential ban on pornography, weighing the societal implications and the addictive nature of porn. She discusses the challenges of enforcing such a ban and the potential backlash it could create, while also considering the ethical concerns surrounding the porn industry and its impact on individuals.
"um so this is you know that's like a specific that's like the extreme end of this phenomenon um the other end of this phenomenon is more like just the sexual script becoming more violent and becoming ..."
Louise Perry examines the ethical dilemmas surrounding the sex industry, advocating for a legal framework that criminalizes the demand for sex while protecting those who sell it. She argues that the focus should be on supporting vulnerable individuals rather than perpetuating a system that exploits them, drawing on examples from various countries.
"quite hard really with the internet like realistically um and so it would sort of undermine faith in the legal system in general and I take that seriously but I don't think it makes anyone's life bett..."
Perry concludes with a reflection on the implications of growing up in a world saturated with pornography. She warns about the potential long-term effects on sexual relationships and societal norms, emphasizing the need for awareness and education in navigating this new landscape.
"issues that are so much more likely to they're so much more likely to confront but the punters are disincentivized from because it's all fueled by Demand right if there weren't if there weren't men wh..."
Louise Perry explains how pornography alters perceptions of body image and sexual performance, leading to unrealistic expectations. She discusses the rise in cosmetic surgery influenced by these distorted standards and the negative impact on self-esteem.
"world relationships it affects your sexual taste as well like it's you're more likely to it's not like porn invents these things like there something like the choking phenomenon it hasn't like invente..."
In this segment, Perry delves into the evolutionary aspects of attraction, discussing how men and women have different preferences. She highlights the significance of waist-to-hip ratios and the balance women seek in masculine traits, emphasizing the complexities of attraction dynamics.
"of this yeah and seems to be yeah bad for self-esteem bad for your sort of realistic sense of it's it's that funny phenomenon isn't it where um what looks good in 2D doesn't necessarily look good in 3..."
Louise Perry addresses the societal implications of attractiveness, discussing how lookism creates social inequalities. She shares insights on how better-looking individuals often receive preferential treatment, affecting various aspects of life, including career success.
"um I mean there's lots of really interesting little data points about that like perfect waste hip ratio that men like is .77 which is just for anybody that doesn't know that they want the waste the th..."
Perry reflects on the trade-offs associated with beauty and societal expectations, acknowledging the pressures women face to conform to certain standards. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing these disparities and the challenges they present.
"you okay so the 10 out of 10 is a bit risky you want your eight or nine out of 10 like that's The Sweet Spot Nick I guess so radar or scary okay yeah yeah I don't think that men have that in Reverse a..."
In this closing segment, Perry and her host discuss the discomfort surrounding conversations about attraction and societal norms. They emphasize the necessity of addressing these truths for personal growth and societal progress, highlighting the importance of open dialogue.
"attract more mates isn't it sort of innate then that there's always going to be this um group of men at the bottom of that Spectrum who are sexless yeah and that are struggling because there is a lot ..."