Unwanted Sex: The Culture of Intimidation and the Failure of Law

Unwanted Sex masterfully draws together and rearticulates many of the main ideas in the debate over sexual autonomy. Schulhofer, a senior professor at the University of Chicago Law School, notes that "the right to sexual autonomy is simply missing from the list of essential rights that our society grants us as free and independent persons."

Throughout the 1990s, debates on sexual consent have commanded headlines, and Schulhofer's timely critique of existing law, attempts at reform, and the still-common cultural regard of male sexual aggression as natural (and in many cases even appropriate) is incisive and lucidly argued. Specific examples of sexually coercive situations fit into broader explorations of what does--or should--constitute coercion, consent, and autonomy and raise questions about our notions of sex and gender roles and the lines between seduction, deception, and fraud in sexual relations. Schulhofer's proposals for improved reform are thought-provoking and themselves help clarify the parlous state of existing laws and the challenges inherent in regulating sexual behavior. As he notes, "Respect for sexual autonomy requires safeguards against abuse and exploitation. But--equally important--it requires that the law protect our freedom to seek emotional intimacy and sexual fulfillment with willing partners." --Julia Riches