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How Do Men Who Have Sex with Men Define Sexual Desirability?

Wesley Grey1, Scott Griffiths1, Emily A Harris1

  • 1Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences, University of Melbourne.

Journal of Sex Research
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PubMed
Summary

Men who have sex with men define sexual desirability as multidimensional, influenced by appearance, affect, and behavior. Hegemonic power structures shape desirability, often centering White, masculine cis men.

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Area of Science:

  • Sociology
  • Psychology
  • Sexuality Studies

Background:

  • Sexual desire is a response to stimuli perceived as desirable.
  • The attributes constituting sexual desirability and the reasons for its varied perception remain unclear.
  • Understanding sexual desirability is crucial in diverse populations.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore how men who have sex with men (MSM) define sexual desirability.
  • To analyze the factors influencing perceptions of sexual desirability within this demographic.
  • To examine the role of power structures in shaping sexual desirability.

Main Methods:

  • Qualitative study involving interviews with 24 men who have sex with men in Australia.
  • Data collected between May and July 2023.
  • Analysis employed reflexive thematic analysis, informed by sexual field theory.

Main Results:

  • Sexual desirability was defined as multidimensional, encompassing appearance, affect, and behavior.
  • Perceptions of desirability were dynamic, varying across time, place, and social contexts.
  • Hegemonic forms of desirability, influenced by power systems, discrimination, and societal norms, were identified.
  • The White, muscular, masculine cis man was recognized as the primary beneficiary of hegemonic desirability.

Conclusions:

  • Sexual desirability is a complex construct shaped by individual attributes and broader socio-cultural power dynamics.
  • Hegemonic desirability marginalizes certain groups while privileging others.
  • Further research is needed to understand resistance to hegemonic desirability and the sexual desire for marginalized bodies.