hooking up bad for women? Armgstrong et al. 2010 Contexts

Context of Hookup Culture

• Title: Contexts.org is bad for young women?

• Authors: Elizabeth A. Armstrong, Laura Hamilton, Paula England

Overview of Feminist Perspectives

• Pop Culture Feminism: Jessica Valenti argues against the morality panic over casual sex.

• Ariel Levy's View: Concern over whether imitating porn stars is empowering for women; critiques focus on women's motivations to appear "hot" over prioritizing sexual pleasure.

• Cultural Context: Sociologists and psychologists examining youth sexual practices systematically.

Re-examination of Hookup Culture

• Hookup Definition: Casual sexual activity ranging from kissing to intercourse.

• Cultural Change: Claims that hooking up represents a sudden change are countered by research indicating variability and not uniformly negative impacts on women's experiences.

Historical Trends in Sexual Activity

• Youth Sexual Activity: Contradicts the sensationalist tone claiming young people have more sex than previous generations; the data refutes claims of increased sexual activity among today's youth.

• Historical Cohorts: Comparison of sexual practices across different birth cohorts from the National Health and Social Life Survey.

  • 1942-1948 Cohort: More sexually active compared to earlier groups.

  • Post-1970 Erosion: Decrease in sexual activity among those born from 1963-72.

Statistical Findings

• Current Situations: Survey of students indicates widespread hookup activity, but actual engagement is less frequent than perceived.

  • 72% of college students report at least one hookup by senior year.

  • Most don't hook up frequently; a significant number never have intercourse.

  • Nature of Hookups: Often light sexual encounters, with many friendships established around them.

Gender Dynamics in Hookup Culture

• Sexual Double Standards: Women face societal pressures and labeling for sexual behavior that men do not, leading to stigma and shame.

• Greek Life Influence: Fraternity culture often perpetuates these dynamics, undermining women's consent and respect within a heavily intoxicated setting.

  • Concerns about sexual disrespect and assault within fraternity parties.

Relationship vs. Hookup Experiences

• Positive Aspects of Relationships: Higher rates of sexual satisfaction and orgasms reported in relationships compared to hookups.

  • Oral sex tends to be more reciprocal in relationships, enhancing satisfaction.

• Negative Aspects of Relationships: Described by many women as controlling and consuming, limiting their independence and academic pursuits.

  • Relationships may involve manipulation, jealousy, and even abuse, leading to emotional costs.

Key Contrasts and Realities

• Women's Perspectives: Many women enjoy casual sex and report positive feelings about their hookups, weighing them against the emotional toll of committed relationships.

  • Evidence shows few women regret their last hookup, although many are interested in relationships before or after.

• Inequalities Persist: Despite advantages of relationships, they can still foster gender inequalities that impact women's autonomy and wellbeing.

Recommendations for Change

• Challenging Gender Inequality: Advocates highlight the need to address inequalities both in casual hookups and committed relationships.

• Ending the Double Standard: Efforts must be made to diminish stigmas attached to women's sexual choices.

Suggested Further Reading

• Kathleen A. Bogle on college hookups.

• Paula England and associates on gender dynamics in sex on campuses.

• Norval Glenn and Elizabeth Marquardt on dating dynamics in college women.

• Hamilton and Armstrong's studies on gendered sexuality in early adulthood.

Hookup Problems

1. Sexual Double Standards: Women face harsh societal pressures and labeling for their sexual behavior, leading to stigma and shame that men typically do not experience.

2. Greek Life Influence: Fraternity culture can exacerbate these dynamics and often undermines women's consent, particularly within environments involving heavy intoxication.

3. Sexual Disrespect and Assault: Concerns arise regarding sexual disrespect and potential assault at fraternity parties, highlighting risks associated with hookup culture.

Relationship Pleasures

1. Higher Sexual Satisfaction: Women generally report greater sexual satisfaction and higher chances of orgasms in relationships compared to hookups.

2. Reciprocity in Oral Sex: In relationships, oral sex is often more reciprocal, contributing to a better overall sexual experience.

Relationship Problems

1. Controlling Dynamics: Many women describe relationships as controlling and consuming, which can restrict their independence and academic pursuits.

2. Emotional Costs: Relationships can involve manipulation, jealousy, and even abuse, leading to negative emotional repercussions for women.

Hookup Pleasures

1. Casual Enjoyment: Many women partake in casual sex and report positive experiences from their hookups, indicating enjoyment of the freedom it offers.

2. Low Regret: Evidence shows that few women regret their last hookup, and many are often more interested in relationships before or after these encounters.