Variation in Sexual Double Standards across Schools

Abstract

The sexual double standard—a condition in which sexual activity is perceived to entail more social benefits for boys and men than for girls and women—has implications for adolescent sexual behavior. We employ an innovative assessment of the sexual double standard, measuring the strength of it across 75 high schools with Add Health data ( N = 8,458). Drawing on theories of culture and gender, we test the association between school-based sexual double standards and the number of sexual partners reported by adolescents, paying particular attention to gender differences in the association. Results indicate substantial variation in the strength of the sexual double standard across schools. In addition, boys report greater numbers of sexual partners as the sexual double standard in their school becomes stronger. Conversely, the sexual double standard is not associated with the number of girls’ partners. This study illustrates the interactive roles of gender and culture in shaping adolescent sexual behavior.