Sexuality has undergone “major changes” in France in ten years, according to a large study that highlights an increase in forced relationships

Sexuality has experienced “important changes” in ten years in France, according to an extensive survey published on Wednesday, November 13, which reveals “more varied practices”less predominantly heterosexual, less frequent relationships and a level of violence that remains worrying.

These developments “most of them are long-term, long before #metoo”stressed Nathalie Bajos, sociologist and director of research at Inserm, during the presentation of this scientific study published by her institute and the ANRS Emerging Infectious Diseases.

Social mobilization against forms of sexual violence has also “modified the regulatory frameworks of consent”but the research “It paints a picture of the magnitude of this violence that remains worrying”. Thus, 29.8% in 2023 of women aged 18 to 69 reported having experienced forced sexual relations or an attempt at forced sexual relations, compared to 15.9% in 2006. Among men, the figures increased from 4, 6% in 2006 to 8.7% in 2023.

Increase in the number of members

The result of five years of work, this research on “Context of sexualities in France 2023” It is the fourth scientific study since 1970 to study emotional and sexual life in France and place it in the context of social changes. It is based on responses to a telephone questionnaire from more than 31,000 randomly selected people aged 15 to 89 in mainland France and four overseas territories (Martinique, Guadeloupe, Guyana, Réunion).

In its first results for mainland France, the survey shows “emerge” of the median age of first sexual intercourse, to 18.2 years for women and 17.7 years for men in 2023.

The average number of partners of women aged 18 to 69 who have already had sexual relations increased from 3.4 partners on average over their lifetime in 1992 to 4.5 in 2006 and to 7.9 in 2023. For men, these figures remained stable between 1992 and 2006 around 11, they have increased “substantially” to 16.4 partners on average in 2023.

The repertoire of practices was “significantly diversified”More and more men and women report having experienced other sexual practices (masturbation, oral sex and anal intercourse) in addition to vaginal intercourse.

At the same time, some indicators of sexual activity decreased. In 2023, 77.2% of women (up from 82.9% in 2006) and 81.6% of men (up from 89.1% in 2006) aged 18 to 69 reported having had sexual activity with your partner in the last twelve months. The results also show a decrease among women, since 2006, in the frequency of sexual relations accepted to please the partner without really wanting it.

Another notable phenomenon: the proportion of people who practice a sexuality that is not exclusively heterosexual. “increases very significantly”AND “Women report more same-sex experiences than men for the first time in 2023”.