What comes to mind when we talk about male and female sexual drives? The stereotype stated by Roy F. Baumeister (2000) is that women have a lower libido than men. This statement tends to be accepted by most people in society as the norm, so why would it be important to examine this question? Having a “standard” can be dangerous because not everyone meets that standard. Thus, understanding the differences can show society what is normal and how to change accepted norms. Roy F. Baumeister of Case Western University, Alicia Barr of South Plains College and many others have sought to understand why women have lower libido. Understanding the importance of libido is the first step in the process of exploring the differences. Libido refers to the strength of sexual motivation (Baumeister, Catanese, & Vohs, 2001). Humans want to have their needs met, and when a sexual motivation is high enough, that motivation will outweigh the importance of other motivations. Basically, when both sex drives are equal, the relationship can focus on other issues. Thus, allowing the relationship to evolve and be more fruitful. What needs to be looked at next is the difference in sexual drives between men and women. There is plenty of evidence that Baumeister and his colleagues have reviewed to validate this trend. They found that at all ages, women are significantly less sexual than men and wait longer before engaging in sexual activity (Baumeister, et al. 2001, 246). Evidence for frequency of masturbation and same-sex relationships both correlate with the idea that men are more sexual. In same-sex relationships, lesbians have been found to have less sex than...... middle of paper ...... and what society dictates. Beginning to understand this complex problem is the key to individualism and freedom from the constraints of society. Works cited: Baumeister, RF, Catanese, KR and Vohs, KD (2001). Is there a gender difference in libido strength? Theoretical perspectives, conceptual distinctions, and review of relevant evidence. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 5(3), 242-273. doi:10.1207/S15327957PSPR0503_5 Baumeister, RF (2000). Gender differences in erotic plasticity: The female libido as socially flexible and responsive. Psychological Bulletin, 126(3), 347-374. doi:10.1037/0033-2909.126.3.347Barr, A., Bryan, A., & Kenrick, D.T. (2002). Sexual peak: socially shared cognitions about desire, frequency, and satisfaction in men and women. Personal Relations, 9(3), 287-299. do I:10.1111/1475-6811.09305