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The Boundaries of Desire summary
A Century of Bad Laws, Good Sex and Changing Identities
18 mins
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The Boundaries of Desire by Eric Berkowitz is a historical and legal analysis of society's attitudes towards sexual behavior. It explores how governments have regulated sexual conduct throughout history, and the implications of these policies.
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The Boundaries of Desire
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Women in America have only recently earned freedom from the complete control of a husband.
The struggle for women’s liberation has been long, and replete with hardship. The bounds of marriage, not to mention rules over employment, have changed dramatically for women in recent generations.
Just a century ago, marriage could be a nightmare for a woman. At the time, marriage wasn’t necessarily a sacred bond between two loving people, but more often a legal contract that favored the man.
A marriage essentially gave a husband the legal protection to abuse his wife, if he so chose. Further, courts rarely took serious action when a married woman was beaten or raped by her husband.
In 1874 in North Carolina, for example, a man named Richard Oliver whipped his wife with switches because he didn’t like the bacon she had prepared for breakfast. As “punishment,” Oliver was fined $10.
Historically, in both the United States and the United Kingdom, it was considered a wife’s duty to provide sex for her husband whenever he wanted it. This “duty” was enshrined into law – essentially giving carte blanche for husbands to rape their wives – and was called the marital rape exemption.
This law was abolished in the United Kingdom in 1991, and was taken off the books in the United States in 1993.
It wasn’t until the second half of the twentieth century when husbands started to lose the absolute power they had held over their wives.
Women finally earned the right to work, which gave them more financial freedom, as they didn’t have to depend solely on a husband for food or shelter. This freedom also meant that a woman could choose a partner based on mutual attraction, and not just financial security.
At the same time, women’s attitudes toward sex also evolved, especially with the development of birth control. New forms of birth control allowed women to delay pregnancy, and in doing so, they had more freedom to explore relationships and sexuality, while also having the time to further their careers.
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What is The Boundaries of Desire about?
The Boundaries of Desire (2015) explores the checkered history of sexual relations and the law in the United States. These blinks show how women have struggled with sexual harassment and abuse, pointing out that a system run by men for men has simply perpetuated systemic injustice. What’s more, you’ll learn how US law historically has failed black people, homosexuals and children, too.
The Boundaries of Desire Review
The Boundaries of Desire (2020) is an insightful exploration of the controversial topic of sexuality throughout history. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- With detailed historical research and engaging storytelling, it sheds light on how society's views on desire and sexual practices have evolved over time.
- It offers a thought-provoking examination of taboos and social norms, challenging readers to reconsider their own beliefs and prejudices.
- Through its balanced and objective approach, the book provides an educational and enlightening experience, ensuring it is anything but boring.
Best quote from The Boundaries of Desire
If you cant rape your wife, who can you rape? – Bob Wilson, California state senator, 1979
—Eric Berkowitz
Who should read The Boundaries of Desire?
- Women of all ages interested in civil rights
- Lawyers who deal with issues of gender and equality
- People interested in the US legal system
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The Boundaries of Desire FAQs
What is the main message of The Boundaries of Desire?
The main message of The Boundaries of Desire is an exploration of sexual taboos throughout history and their impact on society.
How long does it take to read The Boundaries of Desire?
The reading time for The Boundaries of Desire varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is The Boundaries of Desire a good book? Is it worth reading?
The Boundaries of Desire is a thought-provoking book that delves deep into the intricate relationship between desire and societal boundaries.
Who is the author of The Boundaries of Desire?
The author of The Boundaries of Desire is Eric Berkowitz.
What to read after The Boundaries of Desire?
If you're wondering what to read next after The Boundaries of Desire, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
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- Psychological Types by Carl Jung
- Speak Like a CEO by Suzanne Bates
- Love Worth Making by Stephen Snyder
- The Overthinking In Relationships Fix by Rodney Noble
- Deeper Dating by Ken Page
- Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill