History of Swingers
The origins of swinging as a contemporary phenomenon are almost impossible to pin-point.
Whilst there are those who’d argue that a modern open, ‘no-holds-barred’ swingers’ get-together bears an uncanny resemblance to the bacchanalian-style orgies of ancient Rome, research exists which suggests otherwise.
According to researchers, swinging or lifestyle has its roots in more recent times, during the 1950s and 60s, particularly in the United States. One thing’s for sure, swinging was already evident in US military communities, during the 1950s. One authority on the history of swingers, Terry Gould, in his book ‘The Lifestyle: A Look at the Erotic Rites of Swingers’ claims that swinging was first practised amongst U.S. Air Force pilots and their wives, during World War II.
Other social historians believe that the original ‘swingers’ can be traced back to the UK and were none other than the ‘wife-swapping’ (a description now largely defunct for sexist reasons) social groups, popular in the 50s and early 60s. But arguably, swingers as an identifiable social entity didn’t really take hold in Britain until the mid to late 60s and then peaked during early 70s.
The First Lifestyle Parties
The first swingers’ parties probably took place in the more affluent suburbs of America. These trendy swingers’ gatherings were typically small-scale, low-key, neighbourhood events, where like-minded couples would meet primarily to explore their sexuality. However, a similar trend was also emerging, in tandem, in the UK. Here, the lifestyle was taking off, big time, among some of the wealthy residents of suburbia and the more up-market, new housing estates that were springing up, at that time.
But, in those early days, swingers tended to keep their activities pretty much under wraps and amongst themselves; the only way potential swingers could find other swingers already living the lifestyle was via word of mouth or, occasionally, through personal ads.
Swingers & the Sexual Revolution
Whether American or British in origin, it’s now generally accepted that the evolution of swingers and the swinging lifestyle is inextricably linked with the sexual revolution of the 60s and the advent of the contraceptive pill. The correlation is clearly documented. Moreover, there’s little doubt that the availability of ‘safe sex’, on demand, triggered a tidal wave of casual, sexual activities and experimentation, on a global scale.
Contemporary Swingers’ Scene
Today, the swinging lifestyle is recognised and enjoyed, not only in the US and UK, but worldwide. The enduringly popular practice of swinging is now considered mainstream and, wherever you are in the world, there’s no shortage of information on local swingers’ clubs, venues and activities, etc. The opportunities to indulge in the lifestyle are endless.
Did you know that …
… The Sexual Freedom League, set up at Berkeley, University of California, during the 1960s, is thought to be the first, official swingers’ association? Its founder, Robert McGinley, went on to form NASCA, (North American Swing Club Association) now known as NASCA International.
Whilst there are those who’d argue that a modern open, ‘no-holds-barred’ swingers’ get-together bears an uncanny resemblance to the bacchanalian-style orgies of ancient Rome, research exists which suggests otherwise.
According to researchers, swinging or lifestyle has its roots in more recent times, during the 1950s and 60s, particularly in the United States. One thing’s for sure, swinging was already evident in US military communities, during the 1950s. One authority on the history of swingers, Terry Gould, in his book ‘The Lifestyle: A Look at the Erotic Rites of Swingers’ claims that swinging was first practised amongst U.S. Air Force pilots and their wives, during World War II.
Other social historians believe that the original ‘swingers’ can be traced back to the UK and were none other than the ‘wife-swapping’ (a description now largely defunct for sexist reasons) social groups, popular in the 50s and early 60s. But arguably, swingers as an identifiable social entity didn’t really take hold in Britain until the mid to late 60s and then peaked during early 70s.
The First Lifestyle Parties
The first swingers’ parties probably took place in the more affluent suburbs of America. These trendy swingers’ gatherings were typically small-scale, low-key, neighbourhood events, where like-minded couples would meet primarily to explore their sexuality. However, a similar trend was also emerging, in tandem, in the UK. Here, the lifestyle was taking off, big time, among some of the wealthy residents of suburbia and the more up-market, new housing estates that were springing up, at that time.
But, in those early days, swingers tended to keep their activities pretty much under wraps and amongst themselves; the only way potential swingers could find other swingers already living the lifestyle was via word of mouth or, occasionally, through personal ads.
Swingers & the Sexual Revolution
Whether American or British in origin, it’s now generally accepted that the evolution of swingers and the swinging lifestyle is inextricably linked with the sexual revolution of the 60s and the advent of the contraceptive pill. The correlation is clearly documented. Moreover, there’s little doubt that the availability of ‘safe sex’, on demand, triggered a tidal wave of casual, sexual activities and experimentation, on a global scale.
Contemporary Swingers’ Scene
Today, the swinging lifestyle is recognised and enjoyed, not only in the US and UK, but worldwide. The enduringly popular practice of swinging is now considered mainstream and, wherever you are in the world, there’s no shortage of information on local swingers’ clubs, venues and activities, etc. The opportunities to indulge in the lifestyle are endless.
Did you know that …
… The Sexual Freedom League, set up at Berkeley, University of California, during the 1960s, is thought to be the first, official swingers’ association? Its founder, Robert McGinley, went on to form NASCA, (North American Swing Club Association) now known as NASCA International.
