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Gender Role Violations and the Sexual Double Standard
Yuliana Zaikman1, Michael J Marks1, Tara M Young1
1a Department of Psychology , New Mexico State University , Las Cruces , New Mexico , USA.
Journal of Homosexuality
|March 2, 2016
Summary
The sexual double standard (SDS) persists for individuals violating gender roles, but its manifestation differs based on sexual orientation and gender characteristics. This study explores how these violations impact social perceptions.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Sociology
- Gender Studies
Background:
- The sexual double standard (SDS) posits differential evaluations of men and women for similar sexual behaviors, often linked to social role theory and gender role structures.
- Violations of sexual behavior norms are traditionally associated with the SDS.
- Existing research suggests the SDS is influenced by gender role structures, but its persistence across other gender role violations requires further examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the sexual double standard (SDS) persists for targets violating heterosexual sexual orientation norms and gender role characteristics.
- To determine which of the three gender role violations (sexual behavior, sexual orientation, gender characteristics) most significantly influence evaluations of others' sexual behavior.
Main Methods:
- A U.S. sample of 483 participants evaluated hypothetical target individuals.
- Target individuals varied across gender (female/male), sexual orientation (heterosexual/gay man or lesbian), gender role characteristics (feminine/masculine), and number of sexual partners (1 or 12).
Main Results:
- The sexual double standard (SDS) was found to persist for targets violating gender roles.
- The manifestation of the SDS differed for targets violating heterosexual sexual orientation norms compared to those violating gender role characteristics.
- Evaluations were influenced by the interplay between gender, sexual orientation, and gender role characteristics.
Conclusions:
- The sexual double standard (SDS) is a resilient phenomenon that extends beyond sexual behavior to encompass violations of sexual orientation norms and gender role characteristics.
- Understanding the nuances of SDS requires considering intersecting social roles and identity characteristics.
- Future research should explore the specific mechanisms through which these different types of gender role violations impact social judgments.
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