Sex Matters: How Modern Feminism Lost Touch with Science, Love, and Common Sense by Mona Charen Summary

1. Mona Charen argues sexual revolution eroded traditional courtship norms and family stability.
2. Sex Matters links feminist denial of biological sex differences to campus rape crises.
3. Charen claims modern feminism harms women by rejecting marriage and domestic fulfillment.
4. The book critiques second-wave feminism for equating liberation with sexual libertinism.
5. Sex Matters warns against vilifying masculinity as toxic in healthy gender dynamics.
6. Charen advocates a "sexual counterrevolution" restoring modesty and marital commitment.
7. The author documents feminism’s failure to increase female happiness despite workplace gains.
8. Sex Matters ties family breakdown to society’s rejection of complementary gender roles.
9. Charen emphasizes hormonal and neurological differences in male vs female bonding.
10. The book urges conservatives to reclaim civil dialogue about sex and virtue.
11. Sex Matters exposes how welfare states unconsciously reinforce traditional caregiving roles.
12. Charen frames marriage as the optimal structure for child wellbeing and economic security.

About the Author of Sex Matters

Mona Charen, bestselling author of Sex Matters: How Modern Feminism Lost Touch with Science, Love, and Common Sense, is a prominent conservative columnist and political commentator with decades of expertise in cultural analysis.

A Senior Fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center and former Reagan administration speechwriter, Charen’s work blends policy experience with sharp critiques of modern social trends. Her third book, Sex Matters, merges scientific research and traditional values to challenge contemporary feminist narratives, reflecting her career-long focus on family dynamics and societal cohesion.

Charen’s syndicated column reaches over 150 publications, and she co-hosts the Need to Know podcast with Jay Nordlinger. A regular commentator on CNN and NPR, she has authored two prior bestselling books, Useful Idiots and Do-Gooders, which dissect liberal policies and their societal impacts. Her 2010 Eric Breindel Award for Excellence in Opinion Journalism underscores her influence in conservative thought leadership. Sex Matters continues her tradition of blending rigorous analysis with accessible prose, solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in cultural and political discourse.

FAQs About Sex Matters

What is Sex Matters by Mona Charen about?

Sex Matters critiques modern feminism’s disconnect from biological realities and traditional values, arguing that the Sexual Revolution harmed women by eroding family structures and promoting casual sex. Charen emphasizes hormonal and physiological differences between sexes, documents campus rape culture, and advocates for renewed respect for marriage, motherhood, and gendered social roles.

Who should read Sex Matters?

This book suits readers exploring conservative critiques of feminism, parents navigating gender debates with teens, or anyone seeking data-driven arguments about sex differences. It’s particularly relevant for those skeptical of sexual libertinism or interested in reconciling feminist ideals with biological science.

Is Sex Matters worth reading?

Yes, for its accessible synthesis of social science, historical analysis, and cultural commentary. Charen balances rigor with personal anecdotes, offering a nuanced counterpoint to mainstream feminist narratives without polemics. Critics praise its readability and relevance to ongoing debates about gender roles.

How does Mona Charen critique second-wave feminism in Sex Matters?

Charen argues second-wave feminists like Betty Friedan falsely equated women’s struggles with racial oppression, ignoring biological realities. She contrasts their “grievance mongering” with earlier feminists like Hannah More, who celebrated gender differences as strengths rather than seeking sameness.

What biological differences does Sex Matters highlight?

The book cites hormonal cycles, brain structure variations, and women’s innate emotional responses to casual sex. Charen stresses that denying these differences fuels campus sexual assault crises and undermines women’s natural desires for monogamy and family stability.

How does Sex Matters address the campus rape crisis?

Charen links campus assaults to hookup culture and feminist teachings that frame sex as a power struggle. She criticizes conservatives for dismissing the issue, arguing that sexual ethics rooted in mutual respect—not just consent—would better protect students.

What traditional values does Mona Charen advocate in Sex Matters?

She champions marriage, delayed gratification, and motherhood as sources of fulfillment. Charen contrasts the transient satisfaction of careerism with the enduring joy of family life, urging women to prioritize domestic roles without apologizing.

How does Sex Matters analyze the Sexual Revolution’s impact?

The book blames the Revolution for normalizing promiscuity, destabilizing families, and increasing loneliness. Charen correlates rising divorce rates and fatherless homes with diminished societal emphasis on lifelong commitment.

What criticisms exist about Sex Matters?

Some reviewers note repetitive middle chapters and a lack of solutions beyond urging a return to tradition. Critics argue Charen underestimates structural barriers facing working mothers and oversimplifies feminist diversity.

How does Sex Matters compare to other feminist critiques?

Unlike polemics, Charen uses scientific data and historical examples to advocate for “difference feminism.” It’s closer to Caitlin Flanagan’s work than staunch traditionalists, blending empirical analysis with cultural commentary.

What quotes encapsulate Sex Matters’ key messages?

• “Equal does not have to mean the same”.
• “Women are hardwired to care” about emotional bonds post-sex.
• “The best sources of meaning are found in homes, not workplaces”.

Why is Sex Matters relevant in 2025?

As debates about gender identity and #MeToo persist, Charen’s case for biologically-informed ethics offers a conservative framework for addressing modern sexual dysfunctions. Its emphasis on family stability resonates amid declining marriage rates.