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The Sexual Double Standard and Adolescent Stigma: A Sociometric and Comparative Approach.
Derek A Kreager1, Jeremy Staff1, Diane Felmlee1
1Department of Sociology and Criminology, Pennsylvania State University.
Journal of Sex Research
|June 6, 2024
Summary
Adolescent girls face social penalties for having multiple sexual partners, unlike boys. This study reveals a sexual double standard in Dutch teens, despite societal equality, showing peer stigma and popularity impacts.
Area of Science:
- Social Psychology
- Developmental Psychology
- Sociology
Background:
- The sexual double standard, where sexual behavior is judged differently for men and women, persists globally.
- Adolescent sexual behavior is influenced by social norms, peer dynamics, and stigma.
- Understanding these dynamics is crucial in gender-egalitarian societies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the presence and impact of the sexual double standard in Dutch adolescents.
- To examine the relationship between the number of sexual partners and peer-related outcomes (friendship, dislike, popularity).
- To explore the role of social stigma in adolescent sexual behavior.
Main Methods:
- A sociometric approach was used with 1,175 Dutch adolescents (53.8% female, mean age 14.75).
- Data collected included self-reported sexual partnerships and peer nominations for friendship, dislike, and popularity.
- Ordinary least squares regressions analyzed associations between sexual partnerships and peer preference measures.
Main Results:
- Results confirmed a traditional sexual double standard: girls with more sexual partners received fewer friendship nominations and more dislike nominations than boys.
- Both boys and girls experienced increased perceived popularity with a higher number of sexual partners.
- Sociometric measures indicated peer stigma associated with sexual activity, particularly for girls.
Conclusions:
- A sexual double standard exists among Dutch adolescents, even in a gender-egalitarian society.
- Adolescent sexual behavior carries both social stigma (especially for girls) and potential popularity benefits.
- Peer perceptions of sexual activity are complex, reflecting both traditional norms and status-seeking behaviors.
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