New study links the Madonna-whore dichotomy to devaluing women’s pleasure
Have you ever wondered why there’s a gap between men’s and women’s sexual pleasure? A recent study published in Sex Roles investigates the societal beliefs and relationship contexts that contribute to this disparity. The researchers found that the endorsement of the Madonna-whore dichotomy plays an important role in the devaluation of women’s sexual pleasure. The concept of the Madonna-whore dichotomy, a term coined by Sigmund Freud, refers to the polarized way in which women are often viewed: either as pure and virtuous “Madonnas” or as sexually promiscuous “whores.” This binary perception has long been criticized for its detrimental effects on women’s sexual autonomy and satisfaction. Motivated by a desire to understand the modern implications of this dichotomy, researchers embarked on a study to examine how such entrenched beliefs influence the devaluation of women’s sexual pleasure and how relationship context—casual versus committed relationships—plays a role in this dynamic. “We came across how men discussed treating women they meet on dating apps differently, focusing solely on their sexual pleasure in a way they wouldn’t in a relationship,” …