Showing papers in "Sexuality and Culture in 2021"
TL;DR: This paper used Perspective, an AI technology developed by Jigsaw (formerly Google Ideas), to measure the levels of toxicity of tweets from prominent drag queens in the United States, and found that Perspective considered a significant number of drag queen Twitter accounts to have higher level of toxicity than white nationalists and failed to recognize cases in which words, that might be seen as offensive, conveyed different meanings in LGBTQ speech.
Abstract: Companies operating internet platforms are developing artificial intelligence tools for content moderation purposes. This paper discusses technologies developed to measure the ‘toxicity’ of text-based content. The research builds upon queer linguistic studies that have indicated the use of ‘mock impoliteness’ as a form of interaction employed by LGBTQ people to cope with hostility. Automated analyses that disregard such a pro-social function may, contrary to their intended design, actually reinforce harmful biases. This paper uses ‘Perspective’, an AI technology developed by Jigsaw (formerly Google Ideas), to measure the levels of toxicity of tweets from prominent drag queens in the United States. The research indicated that Perspective considered a significant number of drag queen Twitter accounts to have higher levels of toxicity than white nationalists. The qualitative analysis revealed that Perspective was not able to properly consider social context when measuring toxicity levels and failed to recognize cases in which words, that might conventionally be seen as offensive, conveyed different meanings in LGBTQ speech.
46 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the extent to which a sample of high school adolescents are discussing digital sexual topics with their parents and best friends compared to more traditional sexual topics (pregnancy, STDs, condoms, and abstinence) was examined.
Abstract: Online sexual behaviors like sexting, viewing pornography online, and using the internet to start relationships are increasingly common among adolescents, yet research has struggled to keep pace. This study fills a gap in the sexual communication literature by examining the extent to which a sample of high school adolescents are discussing digital sexual topics with their parents and best friends compared to more traditional sexual topics (pregnancy, STDs, condoms, and abstinence). Participants were 226 U.S. high school students (M age = 16.25; 58% girls; 46% White, 25% Latino, 24% Black) who reported their digital sexual behavior and sexual communication in the past year. Rates of sexting, viewing pornography, and starting relationships online were high (89% had engaged in at least one of these behaviors; 35% engaged in all three behaviors); yet communication about these topics was generally low: only 7% of youth had discussed all three digital topics with their parents and 19% had discussed all three with their best friends. This is in contrast to nearly 50% of youth who discussed traditional topics with their parents and best friends. Patterns of communication and digital sexual behavior were similar by gender, with the exception of pornography: boys were more likely to view pornography and discuss it with friends than girls. Implications for adolescent development in the digital age are discussed.
20 citations
TL;DR: The authors found that young people make sophisticated distinctions between different kinds of pornography, some of which could be called "realistic" as per do-it-yourself and amateur pornography.
Abstract: This paper adds to recent discussions of young people’s porn literacy and argues that researchers must address porn users’ engagements with, and understandings of, different porn genres and practices. As part of a larger interdisciplinary project which consisted of a series of systematic reviews of literature on the relationship between pornography use and healthy sexual development, we reviewed articles addressing the relationship between pornography use and literacy. We found few articles that present empirical data to discuss porn literacies, and those we found commonly frame young people’s porn literacy as their ability to critically read porn as negative and comprising ‘unrealistic’ portrayals of sex. This model of porn literacy tends to be heteronormative, where only conservative ideals of ‘good’, coupled, and vanilla sex are deemed ‘realistic’. Data from the literature we reviewed shows that young people make sophisticated distinctions between different kinds of pornography, some of which could be called ‘realistic’, as per do-it-yourself and amateur porn. We extend this discussion to young people’s understandings of ‘authenticity’ across their broader digital and social media practices. From this focus, we propose the need to incorporate young people’s existing porn literacies into future education and research approaches. This includes engaging with their understandings and experiences of porn genres, digital media practice, and representations of authenticity.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors surveyed 1043 women about a multitude of factors to determine the relationship between sociocultural factors, including sexual satisfaction, sexual orientation, sexual shame, sexual pride, sexual assertiveness, sexual attitudes (related to permissiveness, birth control and communion), endorsement of traditional gender roles, and endorsement of the sexual double standard.
Abstract: Previous research revealed a gap in orgasm frequency between men and women, with women orgasming less frequently than men. Because female orgasms are rooted partially in psychological origins, this gap may be partly explained by sociocultural factors. Utilizing sexual satisfaction as an outcome measure and orgasm frequency as a mediator, we surveyed 1043 women about a multitude of factors to determine the relationship between sociocultural factors, orgasm frequency and sexual satisfaction. Because women may orgasm in different frequencies depending on context, we measured four different orgasm variables: orgasm with self (masturbation), orgasm with a familiar partner, orgasm with a new partner, and multiple orgasm frequency. Factors such as sexual orientation, sexual shame, sexual pride, sexual assertiveness, sexual attitudes (related to permissiveness, birth control and communion), endorsement of traditional gender roles, and endorsement of the sexual double standard were correlated with female orgasm frequency within different contexts. The only orgasm variable that predicted sexual satisfaction was orgasm with a familiar partner, indicating that not all orgasms can predict sexual satisfaction. Overall, sexual assertiveness was the variable that positively correlated with and predicted orgasm frequency in almost all contexts as well as sexual satisfaction. This indicates that socializing women to be more sexually assertive could potentially lead to more frequent orgasms and greater sexual satisfaction. The findings of this study can be used to bridge the orgasm gap between men and women, and in general help women in curating better and more positive sexual encounters.
19 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of pornography on children and young people's sexual development has been discussed. But the authors focus on the negative impact on young people and what can be done to reduce the negative effect on young adults.
Abstract: Recently interest into the effects of pornography on children and young people’s sexual development has increased leading to an increase in studies in the area, laws being changed and public concern growing. This paper aims to recap these findings including more recent studies carried out in the UK. The literature shows links between viewing pornography and sexually explicit material and young people’s attitudes and behaviours. This suggests that young people’s sexuality is affected by sexual imagery and that this influences children and young people’s sexual attitudes and behaviours. The impact is contingent on the young person’s support network, social learning and other demographic factors, not least gender which has been consistently found to be significant. Recent studies have found changes in sexual practices of young people which are attributed to viewing pornography such as an increase in anal sex and casual attitudes to consent. Links between porn use and sexual coercion have also been found. How and in what ways children and young people are affected by such imagery—and what can be done to reduce the negative impact on young people is debated in the light of the gaps in the literature and the issues with the existing literature. Further need for study is discussed.
14 citations
TL;DR: Using grounded theory and implementing student-centered approaches to data collection and analysis, multiple themes are identified, including graduate students’ uncertainty regarding SVSH on campus; and how power relations with faculty, combined with distrust of university processes, keep many graduate students silent about SVSH.
Abstract: Sexual violence and sexual harassment (SVSH) are pervasive across university campuses. SVSH research rarely focuses on graduate students, who occupy unique positions within university settings due to their multiple responsibilities (e.g., teaching, research, mentoring), including managing unequal power dynamics with mentors and advisors. As part of a larger qualitative study, we sought to better understand SVSH generally and, when applicable, experiences of SVSH among graduate students on three campuses. Our primary research questions were: (a) How graduate students understand SVSH on their campus and whether they are at risk, (b) How graduate students navigate power dynamics that position them to experience SVSH, and (c) What graduate student-centered solutions and improvements can make campuses safer, more equitable spaces for all students. To answer these questions, we conducted 21 in-depth interviews and 8 focus group discussions with a diverse group of graduate students across various graduate programs. Using grounded theory and implementing student-centered approaches to data collection and analysis, we identified multiple themes, including graduate students’ uncertainty regarding SVSH on campus; and how power relations with faculty, combined with distrust of university processes, keep many graduate students silent about SVSH. Finally, employing graduate students’ suggestions, we offer recommendations for how universities can improve campus climate and SVSH resources for graduate students.
13 citations
TL;DR: The authors explored how people interact with the romance masterplot and how it affects their search for love on dating apps in Australia during the global pandemic in 2020, using data drawn from interviews and focus groups, and combining sociological research and narrative theory.
Abstract: The romance plot is one of the most pervasive narratives in Western society. It is a cultural masterplot: a story with which almost everyone is familiar, which can deeply and intrinsically shape the way we think about how we live. This article examines how people interact with the romance masterplot and how it affects their search for love on dating apps in Australia during the global pandemic in 2020. Using data drawn from interviews and focus groups, and combining sociological research and narrative theory, we explore the way the romance masterplot affects the way people approach romance in dating apps, and how this has been complicated by the pandemic. We propose that participants use of dating apps in this period was characterised by 'jagged love', which we have theorised in relation to Zygmunt Bauman's notion of 'liquid love'. This manifested cyclically, as participants turned to the apps seeking the security offered by the romance masterplot in a time of global uncertainty; swiped, matched, and messaged in large numbers, and lost faith in the apps ability to deliver on the romantic masterplot. While episodic behaviour on dating apps is not new, the pandemic heightened and accelerated the process as people desperately sought the certainty offered by the romance masterplot, quickly lost faith because of the limitations of the pandemic, and then returned again.
11 citations
TL;DR: This paper investigated the representation of gender stereotyping in two junior high school English language textbooks used in Indonesian schools and found that both textbooks portrayed gender stereotypes in which the social role of males is more predominantly presented compared to its female counterpart in both visualizations and written texts.
Abstract: Gender stereotyping in educational textbooks and language textbooks can have a particular influence on how students and teachers perceive gender roles. Much empirical evidence has been reported regarding gender stereotyping in language textbooks, but little is known about how this issue is examined discursively through an interdisciplinary approach. Informed by two theories, Language Sexism and Visual Narrative Representation, the present study investigates the representation of gender stereotyping in two junior high school English language textbooks used in Indonesian schools. The findings show that both textbooks portray gender stereotypes in which the social role of males is more predominantly presented compared to its female counterpart in both visualizations and written texts. This study implies that language textbook writers need to have a greater critical awareness of gender stereotyping when designing language textbooks.
11 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined the acceptance of rape myths across gender and countries (i.e., United States, South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria) and found that respondents in Nigeria were the most likely and respondents in United States were the least likely to endorse rape myths.
Abstract: Many studies indicate that rape-supportive beliefs persist and influence sexually aggressive behaviors and hostility toward women. Despite the plethora of studies, cross-cultural knowledge remains sparse. The present study examined rape myth acceptance across gender and countries (i.e., United States, South Africa, Ghana, and Nigeria). An online questionnaire was administered to a convenience sample of 699 respondents in the four countries. Results suggested that respondents in Nigeria were the most likely and respondents in United States were the least likely to endorse rape myths. Respondents in South Africa were less likely than respondents in Ghana to endorse the myth that the female victim of rape “asked for it” and that the male perpetrator “didn’t mean to” rape the female victim. Although men were more likely than women to endorse rape myths, female respondents in Nigeria endorsed the myths “she asked for it” and “he didn’t mean to” more than did male respondents in Nigeria. In general, exposure to various patriarchal structures and ideologies; differences in preventive, protective, and punitive policy responses to gender-based violence; repressive cultural and religious practices; reinforcement of demeaning stereotypes against women; and psychological assimilation of oppressive policy, values and beliefs may be responsible for cross-national differences. Cross-country differences in rape myths suggest the need for formal and informal intervention in vulnerable countries. International transfer of effective policies and programs for combating gender-based violence in protective countries might lead to considerable changes in vulnerable countries and help to shift the focus from patriarchal to egalitarian views of women.
11 citations
TL;DR: This paper investigated the representation of gender in the English as a foreign language (EFL) textbook used in Indonesian junior high schools (Grade 9) and found that the textbook writers constructed gender fairness by including gender-neutral vocabularies in both verbal and visual texts to avoid gender-marked words.
Abstract: Many studies on gender in English language textbooks have been much reported under the umbrella of critical discourse studies However, a few critical discourse studies have adopted mixed analytical approaches, such as the blending of critical discourse analysis and other linguistic theories, such as corpus linguistics In response to this gap, the present discourse study adopted corpus linguistics and critical micro-semiotic analysis to investigate the representation of gender in the English as a foreign language (EFL) textbook used in Indonesian junior high schools (Grade 9) Based on the corpus linguistic analysis, findings showed that the textbook writers constructed gender fairness by including gender-neutral vocabularies in both verbal and visual texts in order to avoid gender-marked words Another finding indicated that the textbook writers presented a balanced proportion of male and female images throughout the textbook However, gender stereotypes situated in academic and non-academic achievements, domestic chores, and interests or hobbies are semiotically encapsulated in the textbook The practical implication of the present study is that English teachers and language textbook designers should be fully aware of the interplay between language and gender issues to minimise gender misconceptions when writing language textbooks
10 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the understanding of teenage boys who do not identify as heterosexual, as they reflect on the intent and risks associated with sending and receiving self-generated sexual images (sexting).
Abstract: This study investigates the understanding of teenage boys, who do not identify as heterosexual, as they reflect on the intent and risks associated with sending and receiving self-generated sexual images (sexting). Questions within the research surrounded the prevalence of adolescent sexting practice, the relationship between behaviour and sexual identity and the motivations specifically in the gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning/undecided participants (GBTQ). This questionnaire based study surveyed 2198 14–18 year old males, of which 2034 returned the questionnaire, 5.9% of these self-identifying as GBTQ. The study showed that overall sexting practice increases with age, from 37.8% at 14-years to 52.7% among 17-year olds. The average percentage of sexting in those who reported as heterosexual was 43.9% contrasted with 63% for those who identified as GBTQ. Whilst each episode of sexting, particularly images sent to a stranger, presents a potential risk to the individual, this study shows those young men who identify as GBTQ place themselves at increased vulnerability, with 33.3% of these young men admitting to sending images to people they did not really know, compared to 16.8% of heterosexual sexters. The arising themes and dependent connections within the study support the conclusion that, whilst sexting may be associated with risk taking behaviours such as early initiation of sexual activity, unsafe sex, bullying and access to alcohol and illegal drugs, participants did report a degree of positive impact. Sexting was reported to support relationships, allow access to similar peers and increase self-confidence.
TL;DR: In this article, the Short Love Attitude Scale (LAS-SF) was adapted to Hungarian, and the original factor structure was replicated with a Hungarian sample of 800 participants (439 females, mean age = 38.6 years).
Abstract: Love styles are attitudes towards romantic relationships that are related to sexual motivation, sociosexuality, mate value, and relationship status. In the present study, the Short Love Attitude Scale (LAS-SF) was adapted to Hungarian, and the original factor structure was replicated with a Hungarian sample of 800 participants (439 females, mean age = 38.6 years). The results show that the Hungarian LAS-SF is a reliable and valid measure, which enables cross-cultural comparisons. Differences in love styles were revealed across sexes and relationship statuses. All men except singles scored relatively high on Eros, while the highest Eros scores among women were obtained for those in a committed relationship. Women and men preferred the same strategy (Ludus) to achieve short-term relationship goals.
TL;DR: This article explored a potential relationship between emphasis on religious values during childhood, current religious values, and caregiver-child conversations regarding sex and anxiety surrounding sex acts and practices, and found that increased emphasis placed on religious practices during childhood and lower family sex communication, and high religious values would correlate with high levels of sex anxiety.
Abstract: Little is known or understood about which factors relate to sex anxiety. Specifically, there is a gap in the literature on the relationship of sex anxiety to an individual’s religious emphasis and values pertaining to monotheistic religions. The purpose of this study was to explore a potential relationship between emphasis on religious values during childhood, current religious values, and caregiver-child conversations regarding sex and anxiety surrounding sex acts and practices. It was hypothesized that increased emphasis placed on religious practices during childhood, lower family sex communication, and high religious values would correlate to high levels of sex anxiety. The findings indicate limited family communications about sex and religious emphasis during childhood as statistically significant contributors to the variance in sex anxiety. Current religious beliefs did not contribute to the variance in sex anxiety. The relationships between sex anxiety, family communication, and emphasis on religion during childhood reinforce the impact of community socialization and the importance of early education. Implications for researchers, advocates, religious or community leaders, and care providers are discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, a survey was conducted with 256 youth and 217 caregivers and educators recruited from nine schools with an existing investment in sexuality education in Aotearoa, New Zealand.
Abstract: Despite international inquiry regarding young people’s encounters with Internet pornography (IP), there is a lack of knowledge about how their caregivers (parents or guardians) and educators perceive these encounters in comparison to young people. Such knowledge is critical to understanding the synergies and discrepancies that might exist between these key stakeholder groups (youth, caregivers and educators) and across genders, to subsequently inform how to best support youth in navigating IP. To this end, the present study describes youth (16–18-year olds) encounters with IP, as well as caregiver and educator perceptions of these encounters. An online survey was completed by 256 youth and 217 caregivers and educators recruited from nine schools with an existing investment in sexuality education in Aotearoa, New Zealand. Similar to global trends, this group of young New Zealanders were familiar with IP and patterns of encounters were gendered. However, there were varied understandings between stakeholder groups and across genders as to why and how these encounters occur. Understanding the ways youth encounter IP—and exploring how caregivers and educators perceive these encounters—serves as a springboard for future research that considers the broader socio-cultural context within which these perspectives are constructed.
TL;DR: The impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on identity, relationships and psychological wellbeing among British South Asian gay men (BSAGM) was analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis and identity process theory as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: This study focuses on the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on identity, relationships and psychological wellbeing among British South Asian gay men (BSAGM). Interview data from 15 BSAGM were analyzed using qualitative thematic analysis and identity process theory. The analysis yielded the following three themes: (1) Fear of involuntary disclosure of gay identity; (2) Anxiety about relationships; and (3) Coping and casual sexual encounters. BSAGM who returned to the family home during the lockdown reported fear of involuntary disclosure of their sexual identity, exposure to stigma in relation to their sexuality, and anxiety about their relationships with significant others. In order to cope with the resultant threats to identity, some individuals concealed their sexual identity, which could undermine their sense of identity authenticity, and some reported engaging in casual sexual encounters as a means of coping with identity threat. BSAGM may be at high risk of identity threat during the COVID-19 outbreak with limited access to social and psychological support in relation to their sexuality. This in turn may lead to a reliance on ineffective coping strategies, such as sexual risk-taking.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the association between relationship and partner-specific factors (e.g., relationship satisfaction, love, egalitarianism, partner's age, physical violence) with the sexual experiences of 216 Black heterosexual women (ages 19-27) from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent to Adult Health.
Abstract: There is limited research on how Black women’s perspectives of their relationship influence their sexual experiences (i.e., sex initiation and orgasm frequency) in early adulthood. This quantitative study examined the association between relationship and partner-specific factors (e.g., relationship satisfaction, love, egalitarianism, partner’s age, physical violence) with the sexual experiences of 216 Black heterosexual women (ages 19–27) from Wave III of the National Longitudinal Study on Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health), the majority of the sample report being in long-standing, committed, loving, monogamous, and egalitarian relationships with older men. Most participants reported having an orgasm more than half the time when they have sexual intercourse (62%), and that they equally initiate sex with their partners (55%), with only 18% reporting that they initiate sex most of the time. Results indicated that relationship and partner-specific factors were significantly associated with initiating sexual intercourse and/or orgasm frequency. Egalitarianism was the only factor that was significantly associated with orgasm frequency and the three types of sex initiation. Physical violence and verbal threats were associated with equal initiation and partner initiation. There were no significant associations between any partner-specific factors and women initiating sex more often in their relationship. Implications for sex research and sexuality education are discussed.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors measured the prevalence of acts of violence during sex reportedly inspired by pornography among Mozambican adolescents and young adults and examined the consequences of these practices on the individuals involved; and identified the cognitive and psychosocial mechanisms by which these practices are adopted and normalized.
Abstract: In sub-Saharan Africa, the increase in pornographic video consumption over the past 15 years might be shaping the sexual practices of the new generation. Using a comprehensive approach, the present study aims to first, measure the prevalence of acts of violence during sex reportedly inspired by pornography (VDSIP) among Mozambican adolescents and young adults; second, examine the consequences of these practices on the individuals involved; and third, identify the cognitive and psychosocial mechanisms by which these practices are adopted and normalized. Overall, 105 Mozambicans were interviewed. Participants’ responses were subjected to discourse content and frequency analysis. The results show that, in the 12 months preceding the interview, between 77.6% and 89.2% of male participants performed VDSIP that included inflicting physical or psychological violence on their partners. In the same period, between 8.5% and 16.8% of female participants performed VDSIP that included inflicting physical or psychological violence on their partners. Females (63.1% of them) were shown to be much more affected by the negative consequences (e.g., depression, low self-esteem, physical and psychological trauma) associated with the practice of VDSIP compared to males (17.7% of them). The main mechanisms by which these practices are adopted and normalized were reported to be imitation, reinforcement, desire for recognition, addiction, development of sexual scripts, misunderstanding about women’s sexual desire, gender inequalities, cognitive and psychosocial biases, and manipulation of the partner’ consent. This study’s findings can be used to design tailored education interventions to mitigate the negative effects of violence during sex among African adolescents and young adults.
TL;DR: In this paper, a cross-sectional study was conducted to find out the present trend of premarital intercourse among university students and identify the factors associated with it, which was conducted using mixed methods: a sample survey and in-depth interviews.
Abstract: This was a cross-sectional study having two main objectives: first, to find out the present trend of premarital intercourse among university students and, second, to identify the factors associated with it. The study was conducted using mixed methods: a sample survey and in-depth interviews. A total of 610 samples were randomly drawn from 20 out of 42 departments of a public university. The sample units were the undergraduate and graduate students. Sixteen in-depth interviews were conducted with the final year students. A mailed questionnaire was used for the survey and an interview guide for the in-depth interviews. SPSS statistical package was used for survey data processing. Univariate, bivariate, and multivariate analysis were performed for the survey data while thematic analysis was used for qualitative ones. About 30% of the total sampled students have had premarital intercourse experience. When percentages are calculated separately for male (336) and female (274) students, premarital intercourses were found 36% and 21% among male and female students, respectively. The intercourse partners are primarily boy/girlfriends. Other partners are married persons, relatives, sex workers, maidservants, rapers, and teachers. The primary motive of premarital intercourse, as stated by students, has been to seek pleasure not out of love. The multiple logistic regression has identified four factors that are uniquely associated with the occurrence of premarital intercourse among students, which are watching pornography, followed by knowledge of contraceptives, willingness to marry lovers, and peer pressure.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors analyse Portuguese college students' perceptions about the social double standard (SDS) and develop a comprehensive model for it, which can inform deconstructive strategies to promote egalitarian, liberal, and positive sexual experiences.
Abstract: Research on the sexual double standard (SDS) indicates its maintenance among college students, despite some attenuation and the emergence of alternative standards. Results show some inconsistencies, however, which highlight conceptual and methodological weaknesses that limit conclusions about the existence and expression of the SDS. One response entails distinguishing personal acceptance of the SDS from its social existence; maintenance of the SDS may reside in the latter, as there is some evidence for a decline in personal but not in social SDS. We aimed to analyse Portuguese college students’ perceptions about the social SDS and to develop a comprehensive model for it. Four male (n = 30) and four female (n = 17) focus groups were conducted with data analysis framed by Grounded Theory. The social SDS emerged especially with regard to casual sex and multiple partners, legitimized by the accepted/recognized existence of sexual gender roles and stereotypes. It is maintained through conformity with SDS and gender prescriptions in order to prove/protect femininity, masculinity and sexual reputation. The process reduces sexual autonomy and has drawbacks for sexual health and wellbeing. Our comprehensive model can inform deconstructive strategies to promote egalitarian, liberal, and positive sexual experiences.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors used data obtained from a peer-led Facebook group with more than 175,000 participants, mostly in African countries, particularly Nigeria, to analyze 100 public wall posts and 3860 comments posted on the group between June 2018 and May 2019.
Abstract: How do young people interpret virginity loss, and does saving sex for marriage have any socially constructed benefit for marriage? This study answers this question using data obtained from a peer-led Facebook group with more than 175,000 participants, mostly in African countries, particularly Nigeria. A reflexive thematic analysis was used to analyze 100 public wall posts and 3860 comments posted on the group between June 2018 and May 2019. Four distinctive interpretations of virginity loss comprising the gift, precondition, stigma, and process emerged from the data. These interpretations were also gendered, such that a woman’s virginity was interpreted as a gift but a stigma for men. The wall posts and comments further suggest that saving sex for marriage may have some culturally sensitive benefits, including trust, and marital sexual satisfaction. Altogether the findings expand the current understanding of the diverse perceived benefits of virginity that move beyond honour and respect to more complex benefits like trust in a union, sexual satisfaction and ultimate satisfaction in marriage.
TL;DR: Results showed the majority of participants hookup up to feel sexual pleasure, with a significant minority motivated by relationship formation and the ‘college experience,’ and significant predictors of hookup motivations include gender, mother's education, religiosity, parent’s coupled status, and friends’ marital status.
Abstract: Hookups are a normative experience for college students with 72% of college students reporting hooking up by their Senior year. Although there is over a decade of research on hookups, what motivates college students to participate in hookups is not clear, with prior research focused mostly on psychological rather than social motivations, and differences by gender, but not exploring whether students differ in hookup motivations by other factors. This study explored whether students hooked up and hookup motivations among a random sample of 180 heterosexual college students at a Southeast university, and differences by demographic characteristics, marital age expectations, and parent and peers’ marital status. Results showed the majority of participants hookup up to feel sexual pleasure, with a significant minority motivated by relationship formation and the ‘college experience.’ Significant predictors of hookup motivations include gender, mother’s education, religiosity, parent’s coupled status, and friends’ marital status, while race and age differences were not significant. Results of a latent class analyses showed five distinct classes of social hookup motivations: older and younger abstainers, relationship seekers, pleasure pathway, and college scripts. Implications for future research are discussed.
TL;DR: This paper presented a comprehensive typology of the UK sex industry based on primary data collected between 2018 and 2019 for a UK Home Office-funded study, which aims to assist with programme and policy planning in the UK context.
Abstract: This paper presents a comprehensive typology of the sex industry based on primary data collected between 2018 and 2019 for a UK Home Office-funded study. Typologies of the contemporary sex industry in England and Wales have tended to be limited to particular sectors or have been developed from a specific disciplinary perspective or theme (e.g. sexual health programming, income). Situated in the context of international sex industry typologies, this paper seeks to address this gap. Data was derived from an online survey, questionnaires and consultations with stakeholders including individuals currently or formerly involved in selling sex, service providers/NGOs, police, local authority representatives and others. The data was supplemented with insights from a systematic literature search. This work aims to assist with programme and policy planning in the UK context. Our methods can assist in developing typologies in other contexts.
TL;DR: The Normalization of Gender-Based Violence against Women Scale (NGBV Scale) as discussed by the authors is a scale that measures the cultural beliefs and values that sustain, justify, or minimize GBV perpetration.
Abstract: The normalization of gender-based violence (GBV) consists of all those cultural beliefs and values that sustain, justify, or minimize GBV perpetration. Acknowledging the lack of instruments addressing the normalization of GBV and its constitutive sociocultural dimensions, this article presents the conceptual development and initial validation of the Normalization of gender-based violence against women scale. This 18-item instrument could be used to assess the normalization of violence against women in GBV survivors of various cultural contexts. The scale has been developed through a sizeable mixed-methods study. This paper reports the qualitative portion of the study that allowed the development of the instrument and assessment of its content and face validity. In particular, the method section details the process by which the assessed scale’s domain has been identified through an expert panel workshop, the analysis of GBV survivor’s interviews, and the review of existing scales. The assessment of face and content validity, trough expert judges’ evaluation and Cognitive Interviewing, is presented. This instrument is the first normalization scale developed by a multicultural team for use with violence survivors. The techniques used to construct this scale aimed to capture cultural aspects of normalization that might be shared across women from diverse groups. Therefore, its use could enable social or health care providers worldwide to program or evaluate the effectiveness of interventions to contrast GBV by promoting a clearer understanding of cultural and social norms that sustain the acceptance and normalization of violence.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors explored factors that predict consent strategies used during a first-time penetrative sexual encounter with a new partner using a sample of 228 cisgender and nonbinary sexual minority young adults.
Abstract: Cisgender and nonbinary sexual minorities are at increased risk for being the victim of sexual assault. While sexual assault is influenced by a multitude of societal and interpersonal factors, misunderstandings during the external communication and interpretation of sexual consent signals likely contribute to this public health crisis. Unfortunately, initiatives aimed at educating young adults about consent negotiation draw from theory and research conducted almost exclusively with cisgender heterosexual young adults. The present study attempts to address this significant gap in the literature by exploring factors that predict consent strategies used during a first-time penetrative sexual encounter with a new partner using a sample of 228 cisgender and nonbinary sexual minority young adults. Results indicated that nonbinary status significantly predicted the use of direct verbal communication (although this association was not significant when adjusting for false discovery rate) and that sexual assertiveness was associated with more use of affirmative, direct verbal communication and less use of indirect and passive forms of consent signaling. Based on these findings, recommendations are made to improve inclusivity of sexual consent campaigns.
TL;DR: In this article, a group of 71 Filipino college teachers of English perceive the benefits, ways, and challenges of incorporating the gender dimension in ELT, and three major themes emerged: learner factor, teacher factor, and institutional constraints (which were further categorized as curriculum, resource, and belief).
Abstract: In recent years, gender mainstreaming in education has been discussed and studied. In the Philippines, however, research has tended to focus on extreme ends of the implementation process such as the awareness of educators about the gender perspective or the success in incorporating gender in their pedagogical practices, rather than an in-depth analysis on the overall experience of educators in the government’s attempt to mainstream gender-and-development education in schools. Also, there is a gap in the literature concerning Filipino English language teaching (ELT) practitioners' views on integrating the gender perspective into English language education. Through semi-structured interviews, the present study explores how a group of 71 Filipino college teachers of English perceive the benefits, ways, and challenges of incorporating the gender dimension in ELT. The thematic analysis of interview responses revealed the following benefits: enhancement of learners’ critical thinking skills, promotion of an inclusive and supportive learning environment, and increased awareness on the critical role of language (i.e., English) in recognizing diversity. Further, it was found that the teacher-participants incorporate gender knowledge in ELT in two ways: instructional materials and teaching-learning activities, and teacher-student interaction. In terms of challenges, three major themes emerged: learner factor, teacher factor, and institutional constraints (which were further categorized as curriculum, resource, and belief).
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors assess the evidence for how to best conceptualize asexuality and propose that a sexual orientation is best defined not solely as lack of sexual attraction, but as either a lack or little sexual interest, desire interest or fantasies.
Abstract: Literature on asexuality as a (unique) sexual orientation or sexual identity has been increasing for the past decade and a half. There is no clear definition of asexuality yet, as there are many diverse identities within the asexual community. Moreover, the two most prominent criteria utilized by researchers to operationalize asexuality (namely, lack of sexual attraction towards anyone and self-identification) present with issues when analyzed separately. The purpose of this review was to assess the evidence for how to best conceptualize asexuality. Self-identification, lack of sexual attraction and lack/little sexual interest, desire or fantasies were analyzed. Based on available empirical research, difficulties in conceptualization arise when these criteria are taken separately; however, they are compensated when taken together. I submit that asexuality is best defined not solely as lack of sexual attraction, but as either a lack or little sexual attraction, desire interest or fantasies.
TL;DR: In this article, a qualitative exploratory study of gender-variant minors and their families in the Italian context is presented, where the interviews were transcribed literally and analyzed through discourse analysis.
Abstract: Identities that differ from what is expected of each gender challenge the crystallised binary form of social organisation. Furthermore, having a gender-variant child is an experience that confronts parents with something unknown to them that questions most of their assumptions. In the Italian context, there is a lack of awareness about the population of transgender and gender-variant minors, and what their or their families’ needs are. In the present study, we interviewed the parents of gender-variant minors from Italy and asked them to describe the ways they got to know their child’s gender identity and how they managed such a completely new situation. The interviews were transcribed literally and analysed through discourse analysis. We carried out descriptions of how parents configure this topic and the different positionings adopted thorough their experience of understanding and managing gender variance. Overall, we discussed and promoted parent-children interacting modalities aimed at co-constructing and sharing the process of gender identity development, instead of adopting self-referential or ideological positionings. The present article offers a qualitative exploratory study of gender-variant minors and their families in the Italian context. The limitations of the study and suggestions for future research are also presented.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors investigated stereotypical portrayals of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals (LGBs) on Dutch television and whether these portrayals relate to people's attitudes towards LGBs.
Abstract: This study investigates stereotypical portrayals of lesbians, gays, and bisexuals (LGBs) on Dutch television and whether these portrayals relate to people’s attitudes towards LGBs. Previous research shows that television programs in the U.S. contain many stereotypical portrayals of LGBs. These portrayals are both negatively and positively related to people’s attitude towards LGBs. Because the Dutch culture is relatively accepting of LGBs it is interesting to see if they are portrayed differently than in the U.S. A content analysis showed that there are stereotypical representations on Dutch television but there are also people who ‘just happen to be gay’. A survey among 272 participants showed that people who more frequently watch programs with stereotypical portrayals of LGBs do not have a more positive or negative attitude than people who do not. A mediation analysis showed that people who watch more television in general have a more stereotypical view of gay men, which is related to more negative attitudes towards LGBs.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors examined the prevalence and changes in gender stereotypes between 2015 and 2019 amongst young university students and found that women's sexual behaviour is still viewed restrictively by men, although the differences between genders are equalizing (period 2018-2019), and the most extreme scores obtained from the applied scale in the first year have disappeared.
Abstract: Recent research has focused on determining whether men and women are judged differently for the same sexual behaviour (sexual double standard, SDS). Using quantitative and qualitative analysis, we examine the prevalence and changes in gender stereotypes between 2015 and 2019 amongst young university students. Our results, compared to those obtained previously in other countries, show that women's sexual behaviour is still viewed restrictively by men, although the differences between genders are equalizing (period 2018–2019), and the most extreme scores obtained from the applied scale (Sexual Double Standards Scale) in the first year have disappeared. In particular, we have found that men are more permissive, e.g., regarding their promiscuous behaviours or their early sexual experiences, than with the same behaviour in women. The latter do not show admiration for such behaviours, which they value equally in both sexes. Students highlight that the SDS topic is highly relevant today, still taboo, that it causes problems in their daily life, and that it hinders their interpersonal relations. These problems are more noticeable amongst women, who often face judgements concerning the ideal number of partners. Students remark that updated evaluation instruments are needed in order to include, e.g., different sexual trends (LGTBI) or open relationships. Our research shows that despite the still high levels of SDS amongst the young, these levels can be reduced creating frameworks for educational reflection from an early age to promote equality, sexual health and prevent new forms of violence.
TL;DR: This article explored the association between sociosexuality (attitude, desire, and behaviour), gender, sexual sensation seeking, sexual attitudes, and religiosity in romantic relationships among participants from Ayawaso West Wuogon municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana.
Abstract: Sociosexuality describes a person’s willingness and preparedness to engage in uncommitted sexual activity with various sexual partners. Sociosexuality has important implications for sexual health and HIV prevention because it mostly involves willingness to engage in casual sex. Yet to date, there are no prior studies on sociosexuality and its correlates in Ghana. To fill this gap, this study explored the association between sociosexuality (attitude, desire, and behaviour), gender, sexual sensation seeking, sexual attitudes, and religiosity in romantic relationships among participants (N = 315; men = 164, women = 151) from Ayawaso West Wuogon municipality in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana. Data were analysed using Hierarchical Multiple Regression. Results showed that, compared with women, men reported higher unrestricted sociosexuality. Further, sexual sensation seeking and sexual attitudes were positively associated with sociosexuality. However, personal religiosity was not associated with sociosexuality. Sexual attitudes interacted with sexual sensation seeking in influencing sociosexuality. Our results suggest that some Ghanaian men seem to view uncommitted sex as an appropriate sexual behaviour, consistent with prevailing masculine sexual script norms. The findings indicate that sexual risk reduction programmes in Ghana should target sociosexuality and sexual sensation seeking.