Attitudes toward sex in the 1920s became significantly more liberal compared to previous eras, reflecting a shift away from Victorian norms toward greater sexual freedom and openness. Young people, particularly women known as "flappers," challenged conservative values by expressing their sexuality more openly, engaging in premarital sex, and advocating for birth control. Dating and "petting" became more common, and sexual activity was increasingly seen as acceptable within committed relationships, especially with the one expected to become a life partner. The automobile and new social settings facilitated more privacy and opportunities for sexual expression. Despite this increased freedom, casual sex outside serious relationships was still socially discouraged by peers. The 1920s also saw early sex education and the activism of birth control advocates like Margaret Sanger, although some traditional values persisted, especially in rural areas and among older generations.
Key Changes in 1920s Sexual Attitudes:
- A move away from strict Victorian sexual morals, particularly among college-educated and urban women.
- Rising acceptance of premarital sex within committed relationships.
- The cultural emergence of the "flapper," a symbol of new sexual and social freedom.
- Greater public discussion of sex, sexual pleasure (including female pleasure), and contraception.
- More opportunities for young people to socialize and explore sexuality privately, facilitated by automobiles.
- Despite loosened restrictions, peer groups still imposed limits on casual sexual encounters.
- Continued resistance and approval varied by region and generation.
This period is often described as America's "first sexual revolution," laying foundations for later shifts in sexual norms.
