Shere Hite (1942–2020)

This work is a compilation of personal anecdotes (self - reports) about sexuality from women in the USA, but falls far short of anything like a sociological study. When published back in 1976, the book became a bestseller, because of its frank, first-hand accounts, and the feminist perspective through which the author interpreted them. However, the book's pretensions to sociological analysis were quickly dispelled by criticisms of the author's methods and simplistic non-quantitative show more approach.

Author Shere Hite lacked expertise in social science and statistics, two essential disciplines in any serious analysis of human behavior. As a result, while Ms. Hite’s book presented many interesting individual stories, they did not permit generalizations to US women as a whole. One major criticism focused on the unscientific methods that the author used in soliciting responses. Surveys were printed in various women’s magazines, and sent via direct mailings sponsored by N.O.W. (the National Organization of Women). From ~100,000 mailed surveys, 3000 responses were received, about 1800 of which were used in the book. The minuscule rate of return (less than 3%) and the way respondents were selected meant that responses were not representative of the US population of women. (Likewise, nothing prevented individuals from responding more than once.) A second problem was that three discrepant surveys were used over the course of the study, hampering any compilation of the data. A third was that no serious attempt was made to quantify the results, much less to analyze them according to such variables as ethnicity, age, and level of experience.

In the > 36 years since this work’s publication, it has been superseded by more extensive surveys that have used quantitative and analytical approaches. Any remaining interest that Ms. Hite’s book holds comes from the individual stories and anecdotes with which women may identify and from which men may learn. show less

There are many books that are based on surveys. The researcher often publishes their findings based on their interpretation, spending more time describing their findings instead of just showing the reader. Hite took those surveys and published them, actually SHOWING readers what women are saying about their sexuality. Ergo, this is a book essentially written by women, for women. That isn't to say there weren't any male contributors, or to say that men should not read this book. There were show more men who played a roll in piecing this book together, and it would be beneficial for men to read it. I would advise decent men to keep a thicker skin while reading this, because it is a no-holds-barred publication. show less

A life-changing book. Women are not all alike. One size does not fit all (so to speak). If you're a woman who is having trouble telling your partner what you really want in the way of physical stimulation, this will help. If you feel like only you could do this weird thing to get off, you'll find out you're not alone. If you're a straight man, you'll find there's a lot of variety out there. Gay men can give the book a pass.

Based on information gathered from four thousand five hundred women, this study analyzes emotional relationships between men and women and documents widespread discontent and questions by women of prevailing cultural patterns.