The Purity Myth cover art

The Purity Myth

How America's Obsession with Virginity Is Hurting Young Women

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The Purity Myth

By: Jessica Valenti
Narrated by: Abby Craden
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About this listen

The United States is obsessed with virginity from the media to schools to government agencies. In The Purity Myth Jessica Valenti argues that the country’s intense focus on chastity is damaging to young women. Through in-depth cultural and social analysis, Valenti reveals that powerful messaging on both extremes ranging from abstinence curriculum to Girls Gone Wild infomercials place a young woman’s worth entirely on her sexuality. Morals are therefore linked purely to sexual behavior, rather than values like honesty, kindness, and altruism. Valenti sheds light on the value and hypocrisy around the notion that girls remain virgin until they're married by putting into context the historical question of purity, modern abstinence-only education, pornography, and public punishments for those who dare to have sex. The Purity Myth presents a revolutionary argument that girls and women are overly valued for their sexuality, as well as solutions for a future without a damaging emphasis on virginity.

©2010 Jessica Valenti (P)2013 Audible, Inc. Gender Studies Human Sexuality Personal Development Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Self-Esteem Social Sciences Discrimination Mythology

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All stars
Most relevant
Despite it being almost a decade old, all the issues addressed are valid and prominent today. I greatly enjoyed this much insight and honesty in the every day mind of men and women today. Let’s be better. Let’s break out of purity culture!! ❤️

Insightful and real

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Would you listen to The Purity Myth again? Why?

Absolutely. There is so much to gain from every time one listens!

What did you like best about this story?

The many societal aspects of viginity, purity and its underlying sexism.

What about Abby Craden’s performance did you like?

Nice voice and timing.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Something in every chapter

Valenti at her best

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Fascinating and relevant book about how purity culture damages women, girls, boys and men. From sexualising children, creepy purity balls to how purity culture feeds into rape culture and even abortion bans.

Incredibly Relevant and Thought Provoking

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