French Youth and Sex: A New Era of Relationships?

French Study Reveals Shifting Sexual Landscape Among Young Adults A recent sociological study in France has shed light on evolving sexual behaviors and relationships among young adults aged 18 to 29. Conducted in 2023, the research, led by sociologist Marie Bergström, reveals significant changes in both the quantity and quality of sexual partnerships. The study shows a notable increase in the average number of sexual partners. For women in this age group, the average rose from four in 2006 to eight in 2023. Similarly, the average for men doubled, from eight to twelve during the same period. Beyond the quantitative increase, the study also highlights a qualitative shift in the nature of intimate relationships. The traditional couple remains prevalent, but the research indicates a growing diversity of connections, including what the study terms "sex friends." These relationships exist along a continuum between casual encounters and committed partnerships. "This increase is accompanied by a growing diversity in how young adults form close relationships," explains Bergström. "The couple remains, but alongside it, numerous relationships now exist within a spectrum between these two poles: sex friends, regular friendships, and more." This, Bergström suggests, reflects a desire to give names to and acknowledge this new relational landscape. The study also found a slight increase in the median age of first sexual intercourse, a trend that contradicts previous downward trends. The findings of this study offer valuable insights into the evolving dynamics of intimacy and relationships among young adults in France, suggesting a more fluid and diverse approach to sexuality and partnership.