A Scripted Sexuality: Media,Gendered Sexual Scripts,and Their Impact on Our Lives

Abstract

Gendered sexual scripts reflect the culture’s expectations for how women and men interact in courtship and romantic relationships. These expectations prioritize passivity and appearance for young women and assertiveness and emotional detachment for young men. Mainstream media are prominent forces contributing to these scripts, and significant evidence indicates that heavier media exposure is associated with greater acceptance of these expectations among U.S. youths. However, endorsing these scripts has significant implications for young people’s well-being, both as individuals and in their relationships. Stronger endorsement is linked to greater psychological distress, diminished sexual agency, and more dysfunctional beliefs about relationships. Additional concerns have emerged for African American youths, who must also negotiate culturally specific racialized gender stereotypes. Future research should expand to include new media platforms, more diverse populations, and potential positive scripts.

Keywords

gender roles sexual scripts media socialization African American

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