Recent research from the National Institute for Demographic Studies reveals that women in France are having more sexual partners than they did 20 years ago.
This shift challenges claims that younger generations are becoming less interested in sex, with the study showing a significant change in sexual behavior among French women, particularly those between the ages of 25 and 29.
The study found that nearly 29% of women in this age group had slept with at least ten different men, a sharp increase from just 8% in 2006.
This trend reflects a broader “renewal of sexual practices” in France, according to researcher Marie Bergström, who attributes the increase in sexual partners to the diversification of relationships and changing sexual norms.
Shifting Attitudes Toward Relationships and Consent
While the study also showed that 21% of young people had not had sex for over a year, Bergström suggests that this trend is tied to a rise in individuals under 30 choosing not to enter steady relationships.
Additionally, more women are asserting their right to refuse sex when they don’t feel like it, a sign of growing awareness of consent and personal boundaries.
This cultural shift seems to reflect changing attitudes toward sex and relationships, with more women prioritizing their own needs and desires over societal expectations.
The growing awareness of personal autonomy is also influencing how younger generations approach intimacy.
A Rise in Diverse Sexual Identities Among Young People
The study also highlighted a significant drop in the number of French people who identify as exclusively heterosexual.
More than 14% of participants aged 18 to 29 now identify as gay, bisexual, pansexual, or with another minority sexual orientation.
This was especially true among Gen Z women, where 19% identified with a non-heterosexual orientation. For comparison, only 8% of Gen Z men reported the same.
Among women, 10% identified as bisexual, 2% as homosexual, and 5% as pansexual, while 2% described themselves as asexual.
These findings reflect a broader shift in sexual identity, with younger generations feeling more empowered to explore and express their sexual preferences openly.
Sexual Violence and Its Impact on Gender Norms
Bergström links the rise in diverse sexual identities and shifts in relationship dynamics to growing concerns about sexual violence.
She noted that for many women in France, heterosexuality has been seen as a “system for favoring relationships of domination and violence by men against women.”
This acknowledgment of the link between gender inequality and sexual norms has played a role in reshaping how young people approach sex and relationships.
Similar trends have also been observed in the UK, where data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that 9.4% of Gen Z women and 4.5% of men identify as something other than heterosexual, further supporting the global shift in sexual identity and relationship dynamics.
This research underscores the changing landscape of sexual attitudes, where young people, particularly women, are embracing more diverse and empowering views on sexuality.
It also highlights the ongoing efforts to challenge traditional gender roles and create healthier, more consensual sexual relationships.