Taboo Cracking: Over Half of french Men Report Anal Penetration,Study Reveals Shifting Attitudes Towards Masculinity & Sexuality
PARIS - A new study released alongside Movember,Prostate Cancer Awareness Month,reveals a important shift in attitudes towards anal sex in France,with over half of men (52%) reporting having been anally penetrated in their lifetime. The survey, conducted among a representative sample of 2,000 French adults, highlights a growing acceptance of the practice, particularly among younger and more progressive demographics, but also exposes a stark political and ideological divide.
The findings, published by Huffington Post France, show a convergence in experiences between genders. 40% of men and 46% of women report anal stimulation with fingers, while 34% of men and 33% of women have experienced rimming. Notably, the proportion of women reporting having penetrated a partner anally has doubled in the last eight years.
Researchers attribute this trend to a “masculine deconstruction,” suggesting evolving gender roles and a move towards more egalitarian dynamics in the bedroom. This shift isn’t solely about sexual liberation; the study also found a correlation between prior anal penetration and willingness to undergo colorectal cancer screening in men.
However,acceptance isn’t worldwide.The study reveals a strong resistance to anal penetration among more conservative segments of the population. 37% of men surveyed believe being anally penetrated is an affront to masculinity, a figure rising to 51% among religious men and 48% and 47% respectively among those identifying with the extreme right and right-wing political positions.
The study further demonstrates a clear political divide. Men who have experienced anal penetration are overwhelmingly likely to vote left, mirroring the political leanings of French women who report having penetrated a partner. Conversely, passive anal sex is more prevalent among conservative and affluent women, while active penetration is more common among progressive and well-off men.
While a majority of men (74%) report experiencing voluntary anal initiation, the experience differs for women. Only 45% of women say they genuinely desired the experience the first time, with 39% admitting to engaging “to please their partner when they didn’t really want to,” a stark reminder of the importance of consent in sexual activity.
The study, conducted in 2025, suggests that while taboos surrounding sexuality are gradually falling, significant cultural and political barriers remain, particularly concerning customary notions of masculinity.
