Central thesis
The main idea of “Power Talk” is to create an understanding of how heterosexual couples between 17-19 years old negotiate sexual activity. Allen’s central argument is that while young women perceive themselves as experiencing a measure of power within heterosexual negotiations, men control more power in heterosexual relationships (Allen, 2013, p. 236).
Key terms
1. The first key term is “negotiation”. Allen uses this term in relation to sexual discussions. For example “the interpersonal communication which takes place during a sexual encounter in order to influence what happens in that encounter in terms of the needs and desires of the two people involved” (Allen, 2013, p. 236).
2. The second key term Allen uses is “power”. In sociological terms, “power” is defined as relational; one social actor may exercise power over another individual, while other individuals are able to express “power” through resistance (Rizter, 2007, p. 3597). To provide further context, power within a relationship can stem from sources including sexual positioning, gender roles, education, income, and prior relationship experiences (Kubicek, McNeeley, & Collins, 2014, p. 84).
3. The third key term is “heterosexuality”. Heterosexuality refers to the …show more content…
However, my experience differs a little bit, as I did not experience a power play, and I was not left dissatisfied like “Cam” was in Allen’s article. I think this reflects the situations I put myself in and the relationships I immerse myself within. For example, I have not been in a situation where I have feel “dominated” by the young male I am with. I think this is a result of coming from a background with a strong, independent mother who has never been reliant on a male
The main idea of “Power Talk” is to create an understanding of how heterosexual couples between 17-19 years old negotiate sexual activity. Allen’s central argument is that while young women perceive themselves as experiencing a measure of power within heterosexual negotiations, men control more power in heterosexual relationships (Allen, 2013, p. 236).
Key terms
1. The first key term is “negotiation”. Allen uses this term in relation to sexual discussions. For example “the interpersonal communication which takes place during a sexual encounter in order to influence what happens in that encounter in terms of the needs and desires of the two people involved” (Allen, 2013, p. 236).
2. The second key term Allen uses is “power”. In sociological terms, “power” is defined as relational; one social actor may exercise power over another individual, while other individuals are able to express “power” through resistance (Rizter, 2007, p. 3597). To provide further context, power within a relationship can stem from sources including sexual positioning, gender roles, education, income, and prior relationship experiences (Kubicek, McNeeley, & Collins, 2014, p. 84).
3. The third key term is “heterosexuality”. Heterosexuality refers to the …show more content…
However, my experience differs a little bit, as I did not experience a power play, and I was not left dissatisfied like “Cam” was in Allen’s article. I think this reflects the situations I put myself in and the relationships I immerse myself within. For example, I have not been in a situation where I have feel “dominated” by the young male I am with. I think this is a result of coming from a background with a strong, independent mother who has never been reliant on a male