| The Purity Myth: How America's Obsession with Virginity Is Hurting Young Women Contributor(s): Valenti, Jessica (Author) |
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ISBN: 1580053149 ISBN-13: 9781580053143 Publisher: Seal Press (CA) OUR PRICE: $16.19 Product Type: Paperback - Other Formats Published: December 2009 |
| Additional Information |
| BISAC Categories: - Social Science | Women's Studies - Psychology | Human Sexuality (see Also Social Science - Human Sexuality) - Social Science | Feminism & Feminist Theory |
| Dewey: 306.73 |
| Physical Information: 1.4" H x 5.4" W x 8.1" (0.45 lbs) 272 pages |
| Themes: - Sex & Gender - Feminine |
| Descriptions, Reviews, Etc. |
| Publisher Description: From the bestselling author of Sex Object, a searing investigation into American culture's obsession with virginity, and the argument for creating a future where women and girls are valued for more than sexuality The United States is obsessed with virginity--from the media to schools to government agencies. In The Purity Myth, Jessica Valenti argues that the country's intense focus on chastity is damaging to young women. Through in-depth cultural and social analysis, Valenti reveals that powerful messaging on both extremes--ranging from abstinence-only curriculum to Girls Gone Wild infomercials--place a young woman's worth entirely on her sexuality. Morals are therefore linked purely to sexual behavior, rather than values like honesty, kindness, and altruism. Valenti sheds light on the value--and hypocrisy--around the notion that girls remain virgins until they're married by putting into context the historical question of purity, modern abstinence-only education, pornography, and public punishments for those who dare to have sex. The Purity Myth presents a revolutionary argument that girls and women are overly valued for their sexuality, as well as solutions for a future without a damaging emphasis on virginity. |