Relevant to couples therapy and object choice– why do good girls like bad boys? I just discovered a great book on the contradictions that underlie both male and female psychology when it comes to expectations of the opposite sex. Its called Mating in Captivity by Esther Perel (I never realized that zookeepers can’t get wild animals to mate in captivity.). Its about how American sexual and relationship ideology complicates the practice of domesticated sex and delivers a “fatal blow” to marital sexual happiness. Good stuff and directly relevant into how cultural programming affects both male and female object choice. Readers may also enjoy the pungent work of Laura Kipnis on marriage and the death of desire. Her books and articles are eye opening critique to the conventional wisdom that therapists — yes, me too– use in their daily work. Worth a bit of discussion.
Menu