ABSTRACT
This chapter summarizes the main conclusions of the book and draws out their broader implications. A key point made is that, given the contextual and ambiguous nature of sexual interactions, it is impossible to delineate concretely applicable and unequivocal guidelines for what counts as consent. To compensate for the lack of universal, fail-safe rules, the argument is made that we need to intensify our collective reflection on consent and sexual grey areas in a way that makes individuals better equipped to identify and respect their own and others’ boundaries. The chapter foregrounds the role of emotional, rather than cognitive-communicative, factors in difficulties around consent, and addresses the challenges related to the fact that the very category of sexual wanting is ambiguous. Elaborated on here is also the sensitive issue of the agency and potential responsibility of the unwilling and/or victimized party in unwanted sex.
