The Double Standard: A Critique of American Standards of Sexual Behavior

Sidney Landau's The Double Standard examines societal expectations and norms around sexual behavior in mid-20th century America. The work analyzes disparities in how men's and women's sexual conduct is judged and treated across various social contexts. The author draws upon research in psychology, sociology, and anthropology to document patterns of accepted sexual standards. Through case studies and research data, Landau traces the development and enforcement of differing behavioral codes for men and women. Historical context and contemporary attitudes are placed side by side as Landau investigates the origins and impacts of sexual double standards. The work incorporates interviews, surveys, and academic findings to build its analysis. The book raises questions about gender roles, social power structures, and the relationship between public morality and private behavior. Its exploration of sexual ethics and gender-based standards remains relevant to ongoing discussions of equality and social norms.

There are not enough internet reviews to create a summary of this book. Instead, here is a summary of reviews of Sidney Landau's overall work: Readers cite "Dictionaries: The Art and Craft of Lexicography" as a detailed guide to dictionary creation and history. Reviews highlight the book's clear explanations of complex lexicographical concepts and its practical insights into dictionary production. What readers liked: - Comprehensive coverage of dictionary-making processes - Balance of technical detail and accessibility - Real examples from dictionary publishing experience - Clear writing style for technical subjects What readers disliked: - Dense academic language in certain sections - Limited coverage of online dictionaries in earlier edition - High textbook price point - Some outdated publishing industry information Ratings: - Goodreads: 4.1/5 (42 ratings) - Amazon: 4.7/5 (15 reviews) One reader on Goodreads noted: "The most thorough explanation of how dictionaries are made that I've encountered." An Amazon reviewer mentioned: "Required reading for anyone interested in lexicography, though parts of the publishing discussion need updating."

Sex and Society in Nazi Germany by Hans Peter Bleuel A historical examination of how Nazi ideology shaped and controlled sexual behavior and gender roles in Germany from 1933-1945.

A Natural History of Rape by Randy Thornhill An investigation into the biological and evolutionary origins of sexual coercion in human societies.

Sex in History by Reay Tannahill A comprehensive study of sexual attitudes, behaviors, and customs across different civilizations and time periods.

The Social Organization of Sexuality by Edward O. Laumann A data-driven analysis of sexual practices and attitudes in contemporary American society based on extensive survey research.

Intimate Matters: A History of Sexuality in America by John D'Emilio, Estelle B. Freedman A documentation of changing sexual norms and behaviors in American society from colonial times through the modern era.

📚 The Double Standard (1973) was one of the first mainstream academic books to directly challenge the sexual double standard that judged women more harshly than men for similar sexual behaviors. 🎓 Author Sidney Landau was better known as a lexicographer who edited major dictionaries, including the Cambridge Dictionary of American English. His work on sexuality and gender was a departure from his main academic focus. ⚖️ The book drew heavily from legal cases of the 1960s and early 1970s that highlighted discriminatory practices, including how courts treated evidence of sexual history differently for male and female defendants. 🔄 At the time of publication, the book sparked controversy by suggesting that both biological and social factors contributed to the double standard, rather than attributing it solely to patriarchal culture. 📊 The research presented in the book included one of the first comprehensive surveys of college students' attitudes toward premarital sex, showing that 85% of male respondents but only 15% of female respondents said they would want to marry someone who had previous sexual experience.