Voices In A Wilderness (Press, 4 January 1986)

"The Sexual Wilderness" by Sue Kedgley, published by Reed Methuen and reviewed by Diane Prout, explores the impacts of women's quest for liberation from traditional sexual roles through a series of interviews with 12 men and 12 women. The book serves as a feminist thesis that reveals Kedgley's conclusions about the state of gender relations, indicating that they have not significantly improved over a decade of feminist activism. She attributes this ongoing discord to the need for men to reassess their attitudes towards women and their own identities. In the introductory essays, Kedgley examines aggressive media portrayals and sexist stereotypes while acknowledging the varying ideological views among women, both at home and in the workplace. She discusses lesbian separatism within a broader context of women's struggles for sexual freedom and economic independence. Kedgley focuses on the concept of "the second wave of feminism," highlighting that while many women have gained a sense of equality, it has often come at a high cost. Many have attempted to adopt attributes associated with men, resulting in a new form of bondage as they juggle multiple roles as wives, mothers, and career professionals. While some case histories reveal this struggle, a consistent theme emerges: women seek emotionally fulfilling relationships, which is often hindered by the traditional mother role they've inherited through marriage. One interviewee notably expressed that their primary criterion for a partner is the man's ability to love and nurture, stressing the challenge in finding "emotionally liberated men." The book discusses sexual politics and power dynamics, suggesting that the historical dependence between men and women has been disrupted and questions whether a new equilibrium in sexual relationships is achievable. Kedgley posits that the full impact of feminism may take another decade to be realised. The review notes that the interviews with men provide crucial insights, as there is limited existing documentation about their perspectives. The men interviewed come from diverse backgrounds, revealing a complex tableau of emotions—confusion, resentment, and honesty—as they grapple with the ramifications of the women's movement. Kedgley acts as a catalyst for dialogue between the sexes, allowing the misunderstandings, hostilities, and deeper longings of both men and women to surface, reflecting their shared needs. Overall, Kedgley's "The Sexual Wilderness" presents a candid examination of the current state of gender relations, illustrating the challenges and transformations stemming from the feminist movement, while also capturing the ongoing search for emotional connection and equilibrium between men and women.

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