Changes in sexual behavior among young males and females between 1960-1970

Abstract

On the basis of results of three West German sex surveys of a total of 4568 men and women born between 1936-1954, an analysis is made of the changes in youth sexuality in the 60s. Comparisons were made for boys and girls of high educational level (school attendance 13 years or more) and low educational level (school attendance 9 years or less). The following results were found: (1) The age at first masturbation for boys of both educational levels dropped only slightly; for girls of high educational level, the age dropped markedly during the last decade; there was no change among girls of low educational level. (2) The age at first coitus decreased markedly. This is especially true for the moreeducated boys and girls. (3) The age level at which sociosexual activities are started (dating, kissing, petting) decreased markedly among the less-educated boys and girls. (No data are available for more-educated boys and girls.) (4) These changes in behavior do not correspond to any radical change in sexual standards or sexual philosophy. (5) The ability to experience the first coitus positively and free from conflict increased in the less-educated groups. (No data are available for more-educated boys and girls.) © 1972 Plenum Publishing Corporation.