Are Women Still Judged by Their Sexual Behaviour? Prevalence and Problems Linked to Sexual Double Standard Amongst University Students

Abstract

Recent research has focused on determining whether men and women are judged differently for the same sexual behaviour (sexual double standard, SDS). Using quantitative and qualitative analysis, we examine the prevalence and changes in gender stereotypes between 2015 and 2019 amongst young university students. Our results, compared to those obtained previously in other countries, show that women’s sexual behaviour is still viewed restrictively by men, although the differences between genders are equalizing (period 2018–2019), and the most extreme scores obtained from the applied scale (Sexual Double Standards Scale) in the first year have disappeared. In particular, we have found that men are more permissive, e.g., regarding their promiscuous behaviours or their early sexual experiences, than with the same behaviour in women. The latter do not show admiration for such behaviours, which they value equally in both sexes. Students highlight that the SDS topic is highly relevant today, still taboo, that it causes problems in their daily life, and that it hinders their interpersonal relations. These problems are more noticeable amongst women, who often face judgements concerning the ideal number of partners. Students remark that updated evaluation instruments are needed in order to include, e.g., different sexual trends (LGTBI) or open relationships. Our research shows that despite the still high levels of SDS amongst the young, these levels can be reduced creating frameworks for educational reflection from an early age to promote equality, sexual health and prevent new forms of violence.