“The right way to be sexual is the way that feels best to you.” Lisa Wade, an educator and author who will formally join Tulane University as an Associate Professor of sociology and gender and sexuality studies in 2021, discusses her book American Hookup and the new culture of sex on campus. Rising above “misinformation and moralizing,” this episode focuses on Lisa’s rigorous research about the evolution of dating and the context of hookups on campus–and how this can both empower and harm students.

Presented with scholarly, unbiased observations, Lisa reflects on her book’s ideas based on the journals of 101 students, all who willingly shared their experiences in hookup culture with Lisa for her research. With this information, Lisa has mapped out an “emotional landscape marked by unequal pleasures, competition for status, and sexual violence.” Factors such as privilege, racial and sexual minorities, a common pattern of unfriendliness following hookups, the pressure to “opt in” when you want to “opt out,” and the context of hookups are all considered. 

Listen to this episode to learn about a timely and important culture we need to discuss, as well as ways people can consider moving forward. Email Abigail at abigailkperry [AT] gmail [DOT] com to continue the conversation. 

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Want to read American Hookup for yourself? Find it on Amazon, IndieBound, or Barnes and Noble.

Interested in some other topics discussed in this podcast? Explore these resources for your own creative journey. 

• Lisa Wade: Learn more about Lisa Wade’s work and research on her personal website. 
• Learn more about American Hookup 
• Intro Music: “Open Those Bright Eyes” by Kevin MacLeod, edited for this podcast’s intro and closing. License: Creative Commons