Posted on 03/06/2008 7:27:59 PM PST by blam
French women 'are the sexual predators now'
By Henry Samuel in Paris
Last Updated: 2:50am GMT 07/03/2008
French women are becoming increasingly assertive in their sexual habits, while one-in-five younger French men "has no interest in sex", according to one of the most comprehensive surveys of the nation's love lives.
Carla Bruni, wife of the French president, has talked publicly about her conquests
Women now have more than twice as many partners as they did in the 1970s, according to the study by the French Aids research agency, which is backed by the government.
"Are women just like men?" asked Le Nouvel Observateur yesterday, which released extracts of the Study on Sexuality in France, a 600-page tome that brings together 12,000 in-depth interviews with people of all ages conducted during 2005-06.
One of the biggest changes in recent years, according to the report, was that male and female sexual behaviour had become increasingly similar.
The proportion of French women who claim to have had only one partner has dropped from 68 per cent in 1970, to 43 per cent in 1992 and 34 per cent in 2006. A woman's average number of partners has risen from under two in 1970 to over five today, while a man's has remained the same for four decades, almost 13.
French women's first experience of sex is now almost as early as that of the opposite sex: in 1950 there was a two-year difference, but the gap has narrowed to four months, to around 17 and a half. Meanwhile, more women remain sexually active for longer than previously: nine-out-of-10 women over 50 are sexually active today, compared to just 50 per cent of that age group in 1970.
"The good old dichotomy (male predators, females patiently awaiting the warrior's return in front of the cave entrance) is in big trouble", said Le Nouvel Observateur.
Female sexual emancipation has been a hot topic in France ever since President Nicolas Sarkozy met Carla Bruni, the Italian model and singer. The couple married last month.
Ms Bruni recently declared monogamy "terribly boring" and spoke in relaxed fashion about her numerous past conquests, including Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton.
"I am a tamer [of men], a cat, an Italian", she told Le Figaro last year.
"I am faithful... to myself. I am monogamous from time to time but I prefer polygamy and polyandry [its female equivalent]."
At the same time, she reinforced old stereotypes that link status and virility, by reportedly declaring: "I want a man with nuclear power."
Despite the changes in female behaviour observed in the study, some things have not altered in 40 years. Men found it easier than women to disassociate sex from love, but the research suggested this was due to nurture rather than nature. The study said: "Young women are still educated to consider their entrance into sexuality as a sentimental-relationship experience."
One of the more surprising findings was that one-in-five French men aged between 18 and 24 "manifests no interest in sexuality", while abstinence rates for men under 35 was twice as high as for women.
The two sociologists who compiled the research said that the French had fewer sexual taboos and inhibitions than before, but were more anxious about lovemaking.
Never have sex councillors been so busy in France: according to one estimate, they treat half a million patients per year.
Who are you?
Le French Phallic Symbol
Voulez vous couche avec moi? This can also work with us American women..if done with the proper amount of charm and humor.
Because of the current exchange rate, it would make more sense to invite French women to vacation here. Bienvenue à Sedona!
Le slut.
For the record, I'm NOT the local science teacher and congratulations (in advance) on those redheaded grand children!
Oh. I didn't recognize you...
Does that help?
Nope. She must have really had her way with you!
It's been that way there for a while now.
They really have that many beached whales in France?
Maybe. (But, at least, I'm not stuck with those redheaded grandchildren - eh?)
Sure. Rub it in!
Wasn’t that the first line in a Pointer Sisters song?
Sticking their tongues down my throat. Ah, je me souviens, mais, ne regrette rien...
Nope, that was Ace of Base "Voulez vous Dance' " from the mid 1980's.
Yes, I am a total 80's music geek. My younger co-workers (in 20's) typically call it the soundtrack to Hell when they get in my car.
Gots to go to France this summer!!!
Wrongo! Patti LaBelle, 1975, “Lady Marmalade” Take that, you whippersnapper!
I think that this is actually a marketing scheme by the French tourism ministry! After all, they’re talking about how French women can’t seem to find enough French men to satisfy them sexually, but then when they give a specific example, who do they interview? A really hot Italian woman!
Guys! Think with the big head, not the little one! Don’t fall for the scam! Don’t think that you’re going to find hot, horny French women if you travel to France!
Mark
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.