Sexual Revolution of 1960s and 1970s

Definition

The sexual revolution was a social movement during the late 1960s and early 1970s that challenged traditional codes of behavior related to sexuality and interpersonal relationships throughout the Western world.

Analogy

Think of the sexual revolution like unlocking a door that had been kept shut for centuries. It opened up new possibilities for how people could express their sexuality, just as opening a door allows you to explore what's on the other side.

Related terms

Feminism: A socio-political movement aiming at equal rights between genders. The second wave feminism in particular during the 1960s focused on issues beyond suffrage such as sexuality, family, workplace etc.

Birth Control Pill: Introduced in early 1960s, it gave women greater control over their fertility than ever before leading to profound changes in attitudes towards sex.

LGBT Rights Movement: A civil rights movement advocating for equal rights and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals. This gained momentum post-Stonewall riots (1969) which is considered one of the most important events leading up to this movement.