What assumption did the valorization of the clitoris challenge in the 1970s?

The valorization of the clitoris in the 1970s directly challenged the prevailing assumption that women experience pleasure in the same way as men. Prior to this period, much of the discourse around sexual pleasure was male-centric and often overlooked the specific ways in which women experience pleasure, particularly through clitoral stimulation. The recognition of the clitoris as a significant source of pleasure highlighted the differences in anatomical and physiological responses between the sexes, thereby asserting that women's sexual experiences are uniquely their own and not merely reflections of male pleasure.

This shift in perspective was instrumental in promoting a broader understanding of female sexuality, leading to a more nuanced discussion about sexual gratification that included the importance of pleasure derived from the clitoris. It signified a move away from a one-size-fits-all model of sexual experience, which failed to account for the complexities of female desire. As a result, the valorization of the clitoris was significant in empowering women to embrace their sexual identities and advocate for their own pleasure.