The sexuality of the French population is experiencing a surprising evolution. With practices less dictated by heterosexuality, the number of traditional sexual relationships decreases, while French women’s interest in same-sex partners increases. This is what a large study by the National Institute of Health and Medical Research (Inserm), published this week, shows.
Is the sexual life of French men and women less intense? Researchers doubt this hypothesis, even though the new Inserm study on sexuality in France shows that the number of sexual relations is decreasing in the country. The report – the fourth of its kind in 50 years – interviewed more than 31 thousand people aged between 18 and 89 and underlines that experiences are diversifying, especially among younger age groups, where rejection is growing of heteronormativity.
The main conclusion of the study is that sexual practices in France are transforming, especially among women. French women experiment with other forms of sexual intercourse that are not limited to penetration. It is among these that masturbation is also growing, practiced by over 42% of citizens in 1992, and increased by over 30 points (72%) in 2023, the year in which the Inserm study was carried out.
In fact, among French women, 13% declare they are attracted to people of the same gender, even if only 1.3% declare themselves lesbian. nearly 9% of women and men in France have had at least one same-sex sexual partner. But, for the first time in 50 years, in the 18-29 age group, the number of sexual relations between women (15%) is greater than that between men (10%).
The number of gays compiled by the study is only 2.3%. However, 8% of men interviewed for the survey say they have been interested in same-sex people their entire lives.
Social transformations
According to Inserm researchers, several indicators justify these changes in the sexuality of the French population. First, acceptance and tolerance of homosexuality and trans-identity are greater than in recent decades. Nearly 70% of French women and more than 56% of French men see homosexuality as a common sexual orientation. The figure is slightly lower for the acceptance of transience, tolerated by almost 42% of women and over 31% of men.
However, when it comes to women specifically, researchers have other explanations for heterosexual French women’s growing interest in homosexual experiences. The main reason is the Mee Too movement, which has sparked immense social mobilization against sexual violence and assault and also raised awareness and educated women about consent.
The Inserm survey also shows that almost 30% of French women interviewed between the ages of 18 and 89 said they had already suffered forced sexual intercourse, compared to almost 16% in 2006. This increase is also observed among men, although it is lower: 8.7% of the French interviewed for the study said they had already been forced to have sexual intercourse, compared to 4.6% in the previous survey, carried out in 2006.
The pandemic has affected sexuality in France
The Covid-19 pandemic has not only affected the health of the French, but has also affected individuals’ social relationships and sexual lives. Subsequent lockdowns have had an impact on young people’s initiation into sex, raising the average age of first sexual intercourse for women to 18.2 years and 17.7 years for men (compared to 17 years on average in 2006).
Even in France the number of sexual intercourse has decreased among all age groups. In 1992, more than 86% of women and 92% of men reported having had sexual intercourse throughout the year, but in 2023 this number has dropped by an average of ten points for both women and men.
The phenomenon is also justified by the “digitalization” of sexual practices, especially among younger people. According to Inserm, in 2023, 33% of French women and almost 47% of French men have had an online sexual experience with another person. The age group from 18 to 29 years old, for example, is the one that most “normalizes” sending “nude”. – what are photos of private parts sent via messaging apps called? Nearly 40% of French men and women interviewed for the study have already shared this type of content.
The digitalisation of sexual life is widespread among young people. Among people under 30 here in France, more than 39% of women and more than 43% of men have already found sexual partners on the Internet, either through websites or apps.
Increases sexual satisfaction
All these changes do not seem to affect the sexual satisfaction of the French population. Compared to 2006, the number of French women who declare themselves “very happy” with their sexual life has increased, equal to 45.3% (compared to 43.6% eight years ago). Among men, sexual satisfaction jumped from 35% to 39% over the same period.
“The whole argument that gender equality and feminism destabilizes men in their sexuality and virility is not demonstrated in this study,” said sociologist Nathalie Bajos, research director of Inserm, in the presentation of the work.
This is the fourth survey of this type conducted in France since the 1970s. More than 31,000 people, aged between 18 and 89, were interviewed by telephone for last year’s survey, in a work that lasted a total of five years with the National Agency for Scientific Research (ANRS).
What are the key factors influencing changing sexual attitudes in France according to Dr. Sophie Laurent?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Dr. Sophie Laurent, Sociologist and Sexuality Expert
Editor: Welcome, Dr. Laurent! Thank you for joining us to discuss the recent findings from Inserm regarding the evolving sexual landscape in France. This study indicates significant shifts in sexual practices and attitudes among the French population. What do you see as the most striking finding from this study?
Dr. Laurent: Thank you for having me! One of the most striking aspects is the increase in same-sex attraction among French women. The fact that 13% of women in France claim attraction to individuals of the same gender, along with 15% of young women reporting same-sex sexual experiences, shows a notable shift in both identity and experience. This also reflects a cultural change where traditional heterosexual norms are being re-evaluated.
Editor: It’s fascinating how social acceptance seems to play a role in these shifts. The study noted that nearly 70% of French women and over 56% of men view homosexuality as a common orientation. How significant is this level of acceptance in driving sexual expression and experimentation?
Dr. Laurent: The acceptance of diverse sexual orientations is crucial for individuals to explore their sexual identities freely. When a society becomes more tolerant, it allows people to feel safer in their explorations. The lowering of stigma is particularly important for young people, contributing to their willingness to engage in same-sex experiences without fear of retribution or prejudice.
Editor: You mentioned the influence of the #MeToo movement as a factor in the changing sexual practices among women. Can you elaborate on how this has led to more openness regarding sexual experiences?
Dr. Laurent: Certainly! The #MeToo movement has raised awareness around issues of consent and sexual violence. For many women, this movement has fostered a sense of empowerment, encouraging them to redefine their relationships and desires. As women engage more critically with their sexual experiences, they’re exploring new dynamics, including interest in same-sex relationships fundamentally rooted in consent, autonomy, and pleasure rather than traditional norms.
Editor: It’s clear that the study also highlights the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on sexual behaviors in France. With an increased average age for first sexual encounters, what implications does this have for future sexual relationships among young people?
Dr. Laurent: The pandemic undeniably altered social interactions and sexual initiation. As young people navigated lockdowns, online communication became more prevalent, delaying physical encounters. The rising age of first sexual intercourse may lead to a generation that approaches relationships with different expectations and norms, potentially prioritizing emotional connection or safety over casual encounters.
Editor: Apart from societal shifts and the pandemic, the study mentions a digitalization of sexual practices. Can you provide insight into how digital platforms are reshaping sexual expression and behavior?
Dr. Laurent: Digital platforms have revolutionized the way individuals explore their sexuality. For younger generations, online forums, apps, and social media not only facilitate connections but also provide a space for education on sexual health and diverse identities. However, it also presents challenges; with a greater reliance on screens, there might be fewer face-to-face interactions, which could impact relationship-building and intimacy.
Editor: In closing, how do you think these evolving trends in sexual practices and attitudes in France will affect the country’s overall social landscape moving forward?
Dr. Laurent: We are witnessing a recalibration of societal norms around relationships and sexuality that emphasizes consent, diversity, and personal choice. Moving forward, I believe this will foster an environment where individuals can engage with their sexuality in healthier, more fulfilling ways. The challenge will be ensuring that these new ideals are accessible and embraced across all segments of society, particularly for marginalized groups.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Laurent, for your insightful perspectives on these significant changes in French sexuality. It’s important to continue exploring and understanding these trends as they evolve.
Dr. Laurent: Thank you for having me! I look forward to seeing how these shifts unfold in the future.