What is *The Social Sex: A History of Female Friendship* about?

*The Social Sex* traces the evolution of female friendship from ancient times to modern pop culture, challenging historical dismissals of women’s bonds. Marilyn Yalom and Theresa Donovan Brown analyze literary salons, religious communities, and feminist movements to show how women redefined friendship as a social force. The book blends historical records, letters, and cultural analysis, though critics note its rushed modern-era coverage.

Who should read *The Social Sex*?

This book suits readers interested in feminist history, sociology, or cultural studies. Undergraduates benefit from its curated primary sources, while general audiences gain insights into friendship’s role in women’s empowerment. Fans of Yalom’s earlier works like *A History of the Wife* or *How the French Invented Love* will appreciate her signature blend of scholarship and accessibility.

Is *The Social Sex* worth reading?

Yes, for its rich historical narratives about figures like Hildegard von Bingen and Jane Addams. While the modern analysis feels superficial, the first two-thirds offer compelling evidence of friendship’s cultural impact. Critics praise its archival depth but caution against oversimplified conclusions about contemporary dynamics.

What historical examples of female friendship does the book highlight?

Key examples include: - **Medieval mystics**: Hildegard von Bingen and Richardis von Stade’s spiritual partnership. - **17th-century salons**: Madame de Sévigné’s intellectual circles in France. - **19th-century reformers**: Jane Addams and Ellen Starr’s Hull House collaboration. These cases demonstrate friendships that challenged societal norms.

How does *The Social Sex* address LGBTQ+ relationships?

The book examines “romantic friendships” and “Boston marriages,” arguing pre-20th-century societies lacked labels for same-sex love. Yalom proposes a “continuum” of emotional/physical intimacy, using letters to show how women navigated boundaries in repressive eras.

What critiques exist about *The Social Sex*?

Critics highlight: - **Uneven pacing**: Deep historical analysis contrasts with a shallow modern section. - **Outdated feminism**: Some passages downplay modern gender struggles. - **Corporate bias**: Overemphasis on white-collar professionals in contemporary examples.

How does *The Social Sex* use primary sources?

Yalom leverages letters, diaries, and religious texts to reconstruct friendships. For example, Abigail Adams’ correspondence with Mercy Otis Warren reveals Revolutionary War-era camaraderie. The 20th-century analysis relies more on pop culture (*Sex and the City*) than archival material.

What key quote summarizes the book’s thesis?

“True friendship is not so different from true love.” This line captures Yalom’s argument that women’s bonds have historically rivaled romantic relationships in emotional depth, despite cultural erasure.

Social Sex Summary, PDF, EPUB, Audio

Social Sex

Marilyn Yalom & Theresa Donovan Brown

3.16 (303 Reviews)

History Society Relationship Philosophy

概要

主なポイント

著者

よくある質問

I don't have specific facts about "The Social Sex" by Marilyn Yalom, so I cannot create an accurate introduction that meets your requirements. Without verified information about the book's content, impact, or reception, any introduction would risk being misleading.

あなたに合った学び方を探す

クイックサマリー9分

著者の声を通じて本を感じる

深堀り42分

知識を魅力的で例が豊富な洞察に変換

フラッシュカード10件の洞察

キーアイデアを瞬時にキャプチャして素早く学習

エンタメ24分

楽しく魅力的な方法で本を楽しむ

「Social Sex」のベストクォート

True friendship, he argued, exists only between virtuous people who care more for each other's well-being than their own, becoming "one soul in two bodies."

あなたに合った学び方を探す

『Social Sex』は単なる本ではありません—Historyのマスタークラスです。あなたに最適な方法でレッスンを吸収できるよう、5つのユニークな学習モードを用意しています。深く考える人も、素早く学ぶ人も、物語が好きな人も、あなたのスタイルに合ったモードがあります。

クイックサマリー

『Social Sex』を9分で要約

『Social Sex』の核心的なアイデアを分かりやすいポイントに分解し、革新的なチームがどのように創造、協力、成長するかを理解します。

00:00

フラッシュカード

『Social Sex』から厳選した10の洞察

『Social Sex』を素早い記憶のヒントに凝縮し、率直さ、チームワーク、創造的な回復力の主要原則を強調します。

エンタメ

『Social Sex』のレッスンを24分のストーリーで

鮮やかなストーリーテリングを通じて『Social Sex』を体験し、イノベーションのレッスンを記憶に残り、応用できる瞬間に変えます。

00:00

パーソナライズ

あなた自身の方法で『Social Sex』を体験。

何でも質問し、声を選び、本当にあなたに響く洞察を一緒に作り出しましょう。

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"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

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"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

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"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

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@djmikemoore

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"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

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201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

コロンビア大学卒業生がサンフランシスコで開発

BeFreedは1,000,000の好奇心旺盛な仲間が集うグローバルコミュニティ

BeFreedがウェブ上でどのように話題になっているかをもっと見る

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

今すぐ学習の旅を始めよう

この要約をダウンロード

Social Sexの要約をPDFまたはEPUBで無料でダウンロード。印刷やオフラインでいつでもお読みいただけます。

Social Sex

Marilyn Yalom & Theresa Donovan Brown

3.16 (303 Reviews)

History Society Relationship Philosophy

概要

主なポイント

著者

よくある質問

あなたに合った学び方を探す

クイックサマリー9分

著者の声を通じて本を感じる

深堀り42分

知識を魅力的で例が豊富な洞察に変換

フラッシュカード10件の洞察

キーアイデアを瞬時にキャプチャして素早く学習

エンタメ24分

楽しく魅力的な方法で本を楽しむ

「Social Sex」のベストクォート

True friendship, he argued, exists only between virtuous people who care more for each other's well-being than their own, becoming "one soul in two bodies."

重要なポイント

When Women Were Invisible Friends

00:00

Think of your closest female friend. Now imagine a world where that relationship-that deep, sustaining bond-was considered impossible. For two thousand years, friendship was written about, celebrated, and theorized as an exclusively male domain. Philosophers from Aristotle to Cicero waxed eloquent about brotherhood and virtue between men, while women were dismissed as too jealous, too emotional, too petty to form genuine bonds. The Hebrew Bible gives us David and Jonathan, whose souls were "knit together" in love so profound that Jonathan defied his own father to protect his friend. Meanwhile, women appear primarily as rivals-Sarah and Hagar fighting over Abraham, Rachel and Leah competing for Jacob's affection. The message was clear: women connected through men, not each other. Yet beneath this male-dominated narrative, something else was happening. Ruth's famous pledge to Naomi-"Whither thou goest, I will go"-reveals a different story, one of women choosing each other despite a world that barely acknowledged such choices mattered. This invisibility wasn't evidence of absence but of a profound cultural blindness that would take centuries to correct.

The Sacred Sisterhood Behind Convent Walls

Gossips, Salons, and the Birth of Public Female Friendship

Revolutionary Bonds and Political Partnerships

When Women Loved Like Lovers

Quilts, Prayer Groups, and the Power of Women's Collectives

The Digital Age and the Future of Female Friendship

あなたに合った学び方を探す

クイックサマリー

『Social Sex』を9分で要約

『Social Sex』の核心的なアイデアを分かりやすいポイントに分解し、革新的なチームがどのように創造、協力、成長するかを理解します。

00:00

フラッシュカード

『Social Sex』から厳選した10の洞察

『Social Sex』を素早い記憶のヒントに凝縮し、率直さ、チームワーク、創造的な回復力の主要原則を強調します。

エンタメ

『Social Sex』のレッスンを24分のストーリーで

鮮やかなストーリーテリングを通じて『Social Sex』を体験し、イノベーションのレッスンを記憶に残り、応用できる瞬間に変えます。

00:00

パーソナライズ

あなた自身の方法で『Social Sex』を体験。

何でも質問し、声を選び、本当にあなたに響く洞察を一緒に作り出しましょう。

コロンビア大学卒業生がサンフランシスコで開発

BeFreedは1,000,000の好奇心旺盛な仲間が集うグローバルコミュニティ

BeFreedがウェブ上でどのように話題になっているかをもっと見る

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

コロンビア大学卒業生がサンフランシスコで開発

BeFreedは1,000,000の好奇心旺盛な仲間が集うグローバルコミュニティ

BeFreedがウェブ上でどのように話題になっているかをもっと見る

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

"Instead of endless scrolling, I just hit play on BeFreed. It saves me so much time."

@Moemenn

"I never knew where to start with nonfiction—BeFreed’s book lists turned into podcasts gave me a clear path."

@Chloe, Solo founder, LA

117

"Perfect balance between learning and entertainment. Finished ‘Thinking, Fast and Slow’ on my commute this week."

@Raaaaaachelw

"Crazy how much I learned while walking the dog. BeFreed = small habits → big gains."

@Matt, YC alum

108

"Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC

254

"Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

@djmikemoore

"BeFreed turned my guilty doomscrolling into something that feels productive and inspiring."

@Pitiful

4.5K

"BeFreed turned my commute into learning time. 20-min podcasts are perfect for finishing books I never had time for."

@SofiaP

"BeFreed replaced my podcast queue. Imagine Spotify for books — that’s it. 🙌"

@Jaded_Falcon

201

"It is great for me to learn something from the book without reading it."

@OojasSalunke

"The themed book list podcasts help me connect ideas across authors—like a guided audio journey."

@Leo, Law Student, UPenn

483

"Makes me feel smarter every time before going to work"

@Cashflowbubu

1.5K Ratings4.7

今すぐ学習の旅を始めよう

この要約をダウンロード

Social Sexの要約をPDFまたはEPUBで無料でダウンロード。印刷やオフラインでいつでもお読みいただけます。

「Social Sex」のベストクォート

「Social Sex」のベストクォート

おすすめの本

重要なポイント

When Women Were Invisible Friends

The Sacred Sisterhood Behind Convent Walls

Gossips, Salons, and the Birth of Public Female Friendship

Revolutionary Bonds and Political Partnerships

When Women Loved Like Lovers

Quilts, Prayer Groups, and the Power of Women's Collectives

The Digital Age and the Future of Female Friendship

おすすめの本

重要なポイント

When Women Were Invisible Friends

The Sacred Sisterhood Behind Convent Walls

Gossips, Salons, and the Birth of Public Female Friendship

Revolutionary Bonds and Political Partnerships

When Women Loved Like Lovers

Quilts, Prayer Groups, and the Power of Women's Collectives

The Digital Age and the Future of Female Friendship

Social Sex by Marilyn Yalom & Theresa Donovan Brown Summary

Overview of Social Sex

Similar books to Social Sex

「Social Sex」のベストクォート

クイックサマリーモード - 『Social Sex』の要約を9分で読む・聴く

フラッシュカードモード - 『Social Sex』から厳選した10の洞察

エンタメモード - 『Social Sex』のレッスンを24分のストーリーで

パーソナライズモード - 『Social Sex』の要約を0分で読む・聴く

Social SexのPDFをダウンロード

Social SexのEPUBをダウンロード

Social Sex by Marilyn Yalom & Theresa Donovan Brown Summary

Overview of Social Sex

Similar books to Social Sex

「Social Sex」のベストクォート

おすすめの本

重要なポイント

When Women Were Invisible Friends

The Sacred Sisterhood Behind Convent Walls

Gossips, Salons, and the Birth of Public Female Friendship

Revolutionary Bonds and Political Partnerships

When Women Loved Like Lovers

Quilts, Prayer Groups, and the Power of Women's Collectives

The Digital Age and the Future of Female Friendship

クイックサマリーモード - 『Social Sex』の要約を9分で読む・聴く

フラッシュカードモード - 『Social Sex』から厳選した10の洞察

エンタメモード - 『Social Sex』のレッスンを24分のストーリーで

パーソナライズモード - 『Social Sex』の要約を0分で読む・聴く

Social SexのPDFをダウンロード

Social SexのEPUBをダウンロード

おすすめの本

重要なポイント

When Women Were Invisible Friends

The Sacred Sisterhood Behind Convent Walls

Gossips, Salons, and the Birth of Public Female Friendship

Revolutionary Bonds and Political Partnerships

When Women Loved Like Lovers

Quilts, Prayer Groups, and the Power of Women's Collectives

The Digital Age and the Future of Female Friendship