Literature Review "Swinging: In Retrospect"

Fang, Betty. "Swinging: In Retrospect." Journal of Sex Research, 12.3 (1976): 220-237.
I have chosen Betty Fang’s article “Swinging: In Retrospect,” because it introduces the swinging concept and ideals of the 1970's, and it is informative on the reasons why couples take part in swinging, how they meet different swinging couples, who is likely to find swinging activities suitable for them, and advantages/disadvantages of swinging. Betty Fang also makes a prediction of the swinging popularity trend.
Data Gathering Methods: Interviews, literature, questionnaires, observations, and meeting with swinging couples.
The Swinging Concept: An agreement amongst a couple to take part in sexual acts with other couples in the same location and at the same time.
Swinging Participants: Fang found that swinger participants can be married couples or singles. However, singles are sometimes feared and seen as threats to married couples because the single person is believed to interfere with the married couple and lead the couple into a divorce.
Who Suggests Swinging As An Option Within A Couple: Males are the first to bring up the notion of swinging. Females are usually hesitant at first and dislike their husband’s suggestion completely, but commit to the idea and usually enjoy the experience. It is rare for males to participate in homosexuality while swinging. It is usually the females who participate in homosexual acts along with a male, known as a “threesome.”
Ways That Swingers Meet: There are many ways swingers can meet other swinging couples. One main way is through personal reference. Swingers also use nicknames to meet new swinging couples to protect their “normal” identity. Swingers can attend swinging night clubs or place an ad in a swinging magazine to make other swinging couples know that they want to meet.
Swinging Motives: Some motives to swing are: boredom and restlessness, a need for a new experience, tired of cheating secretly, a reason for fixing a failing marriage, and a desire for more sex than the partner gives.
Advantages Of Swinging: Some advantages of swinging are: no deceit, renewal of marriage, physical but no emotional involvement, acceptance, and increased circle of friends.
Disadvantages Of Swinging: Some disadvantages are: jealousy, lack of commitment, loss of identity, guilt, danger of venereal disease, and divorce separation.
Betty Fang's Prediction On The Swinging Trend: Fang predicted that swinging activities will decline because swinging is associated with the United States economical trend. Fang notes that when the economy is good then there will be an increase in sexual freedom, thus people will turn to swinging to express their sexual freedom. Since the economy is in a recession, swinging will probably disappear due to economic difficulties.

-VLopez