Permissive society
A permissive society, also referred to as permissive culture, is used to describe a society in which social norms become increasingly secular and liberal, especially with regard to violence, sexual freedom and profanity.[1][2][3] The term is often used pejoratively by cultural conservatives to criticise what is seen as a breakdown in traditional values, such as greater acceptance of premarital sex, an increase in divorce rates, and acceptance of non-traditional relationships such as cohabitation and homosexuality. A. P. Herbert, an English humorist, novelist, playwright, law reformist, and Member of Parliament, has been described as the "Father of the Permissive Society," particularly for his championing of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1937, which extended the grounds for divorce.[4] It was particularly used during the sexual revolution which peaked in the early 1970s in Western culture by opponents of the changes in attitudes of the era. During the 2000s, permissive parenting was criticized as a reason behind why some girls under the age of 16 wore thong underwear.[5]
See also
References
- ^ Alan Petigny, The Permissive Society, America, 1941–1965 (University of Florida, 2009; ISBN 978-0-521-88896-7)
- ^ John Ayto (2006). Movers and Shakers: A Chronology of Words that Shaped Our Age. Oxford University Press. p. 172. ISBN 978-0-19-861452-4.
- ^ Hampshire, J.; Benthe, H. F.; Haberland, G. (1 March 2004). "'The Ravages of Permissiveness': Sex Education and the Permissive Society". Twentieth Century British History. 15 (3). Oxford Academic: 290–312. doi:10.1093/tcbh/15.3.290. PMID 15376366. Retrieved 3 December 2024.
- ^ "The Father of the Permissive Society". History Today. 6 June 2009. Retrieved 25 January 2023.
- ^ Pape, Allie (2019-02-09). "PEN15 Recap: Thongs of Innocence and Experience". Vulture. Retrieved 2026-01-24.