Sexual Double Standards Research Paper

A discourse describes a formal way of thinking that can affect a person's perspective on a particular topic. The sexual double standard discourse is a set of acceptable standards and sexual behaviors, one prescribed for men and one prescribed for women. Reasons for these sexual double standards are often explained through physiology and anatomy by using hormonal or physical differences of men and women. The sexual double standard operates through the division of men and women that creates gender identities. Implications from these identity constructions can create potential fallout for both men and women. The sexual double standard prescribes for women a less need and desire for sexual activity. They are painted as the sexual gatekeepers who are responsible for sex because women supposedly have lower sex drives. On the other hand, men are portrayed as having greater need and desire of sexual activity and therefore are labeled the sexual aggressors and pursuers. This label decreases the sexual behavioral responsibility for men because it is a natural overwhelming and a strong unstoppable drive. …show more content…
Men are urged to be sexual aggressors, inherently causing them to ignore their self control; while the men who do not maintain sexual activity are ostracized from groups. This discourse is so powerful that it also makes women re-enforce this standard believing that a man cannot control themselves sexually, essentially placing blame of rape or sexual assault the fault of the women because she was not able to ‘gatekeeper’ sex. Women’s sexual desires on the other hand are ignored because they are supposed to have lower sex drives than that of men. Often time’s women get labeled for being sexually active; the current most common label among North American society is the slut