Group Sex: “”Three or more persons involved in sexual activity together … in its broadest interpretation, group sex includes voyeurism and exhibitionism, mate or partner exchange occurring in the same place at the same time,”” according to George C. and Nena O’Neill, “”Patterns in Group Sexual Activity.””
“”Nobody does anything they don’t want to do.””
– George C. and Nena O’Neill
One potato, two potato, three potato, four; five potato, six potato, seven potato more! Now switch those potatoes for men and women and instead of boiling spuds you’ll be cooking up an orgy. Getting too hot in the kitchen for you? You’re not the only one. It seems the openly experimental sexuality of the 1970s has cooled to a simmer.
“”One-on-one sex is a social norm, and it’s taken as taboo to do anything that’s not monogamous,”” psychology and linguistics sophomore Danielle Miller said. “”It would be a hard thing to introduce to our society.””
Conflicting reasons to say nay to group sex, such as religion and self-worth, seemed to be the dominating squashers of the love fest we often see at college parties in movies.
“”I think it decreases your value as a person,”” said Grace Irwin, an English and psychology junior. “”It seems like it requires some humiliation …because in some ways it’s like saying, ‘Oh, I’m not enough for you.'””
Irwin’s contemporary perspective is supported by a few select individuals but collides with those of some experienced multi-lovers in a 1970 study by George C. and Nena O’Neill, “”Patterns in Group Sexual Activity,”” published in The Journal of Sex Reseach.
“”A few (participants) expressed disturbing guilt feelings, (but) many…
female respondents stated their participation in group sex had made a significant improvement in their body image … and some expressed a feeling of warmth, of acceptance and response from other group sex participants that is often lacking in other social contexts,”” according to the study.
Po-tae-to, po-tah-to – it’s what works best for you.
I say group sex, you say…
“”Group sex? Raging drunken night.””
– Brian Cho, pre-physiology freshman
“”Orgies.””
– Danny Conner, political science sophomore
“”Pornographic is the first thing that comes to mind.””
– Danielle Miller, psychology and linguistics sophomore
“”Group sex? Freaky shit.””
– Jordan Piel, computer science junior
Four Phases
1. A period of great interest, curiosity, enthusiasm and a high frequency of participation
2. Begins at a peak and tends to drop off in reaction to negative experiences, disillusionment or boredom
3. Average attendance
4. Intermittent or infrequent participation
*Information from the O’Neill study
Would You?
“”Depends on the people who would want to participate. I might be willingðð – I’m not really sure.””
– Danielle Miller, psychology and linguistics sophomore
“”It seems like it would be a spur of the moment (decision).””
– Danny Conner, political science sophomore
Why Do it?
1. “”Swingers are liberated people; swinging will liberate you.””
2. “”Nudity and sex reduce everyone to a similar status.””
3. “”Sex is for fun.””
*Quotes from the O’Neill study
