Posted February 6, Reviewed by Gary Drevitch. Her debut book, Good Sex: Stories, Science, and Strategies for Sexual Liberation , explores the crucial intersection of social justice , sexual equity, cultural norms, and personal relationships. This post highlights key themes from our conversation, breaking down the importance of intimate justice, cultural shifts, and the role of social justice in personal relationships.
Many of these " sex scripts " come from patriarchal and colonial histories, reinforcing outdated beliefs about gender , desire, and entitlement. Hargons introduces the concept of "cultural recipes" as an alternativeโa way to reframe how we engage in sex and intimacy based on principles of consent, mutual pleasure, and respect. By shifting these ingrained beliefs, we create healthier, more equitable experiences for everyone.
Gender inequality, economic disparities, and access to comprehensive sexual education all influence how people experience sex and relationships. Each generation has approached sex and intimacy differently. One key issue is the so-called " sexual recession ," in which younger people are reportedly engaging in less sexual activity. Factors like financial instability and increased digital engagement contribute to this trend, highlighting the need for better, more relevant sexual education that addresses modern challenges.
Pleasure is a right , not a luxury. Activist and author Adrienne Maree Brown and others have championed the idea of "pleasure activism" โthe belief that experiencing pleasure is a form of resistance against oppression and a path to personal empowerment. Hargons echoes this sentiment, stressing that healthy relationships must prioritize reciprocityโand that sexual encounters should be built on mutual satisfaction, agency, and respect rather than outdated, one-sided dynamics.
Many of the challenges in sexual relationships stem from larger societal inequities. For example, harmful narratives around male sexual entitlement reinforce imbalanced power dynamics. Books like Fair Play provide valuable strategies for creating more equitable relationships, both emotionally and sexually.
