"We're All Perverts": The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality with Author Christopher Ryan
"If you look at us as a species, we're not very impressive. What we're good at is forming complex social networks," says Christopher Ryan, author of Sex at Dawn: The Prehistoric Origins of Modern Sexuality. "The purpose of human sexuality—the function—is social."
Together with Cacilda Jethá, Ryan has written about the history of human sexuality and why we should fight against "socially imposed restrictions." By looking at archaeology, primate biology, human physiology, and anthropological studies of pre-agricultural tribes from around the world, Ryan says we aren't meant to be in life-long monogamous unions.
Ryan sat down with Reason contributor Thaddeus Russell for an in-depth discussion about his book, the role of sex in society, and the harmful consequences of repressing healthy sexuality.
About 27 mins.
Produced by Sharif Matar. Camera by Zach Weissmueller and Matar.
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