Open AccessMutuality and Pleasure: A Discussion of the Female Orgasm in Contemporary Catholic Sexual Ethics
Author(s) -
Celso Javier Perez
Publication year - 2007
Publication title -
elements
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 2380-6087
pISSN - 2378-0185
DOI - 10.6017/eurj.v3i2.8998
Subject(s) - orgasm , sexual ethics , pleasure , conversation , psychology , sexual intercourse , social psychology , sexual revolution , context (archaeology) , psychoanalysis , sexual stimulation , human sexuality , sexual behavior , gender studies , sociology , sexual dysfunction , history , psychotherapist , communication , demography , archaeology , population
Theological reflection on Catholic sexual ethics has traditionally placed much focus on the male experience. Magisterial teaching has often suggested a limitation of light intercourse to penile-vaginal penetration that is open to procreation and within the context of marriage. However, a contemporary understanding of the female orgasm raising questions about the role of mutuality and pleasure in sexual relationships. According to the 1990 Kinsey Institute New Report on Sex , between 50 percent and 75 percent of women who report no orgasm as a result of penile penetration experience normal orgasms as a result of other forms of stimulation. In light of this statistics, penile-vaginal intercourse may not be sufficient for a good sexual relationship. The writings of contemporary moral theologians open up conversation for a more explicity just framework for sexual ethics.