Peer narratives about sexual conquest are stories that people tell each other about their experiences involving sexual attraction, seduction, flirtation, romance, foreplay, and intercourse. Such narratives can occur within specific contexts such as school or workplaces, but also online through text messaging or forums like Reddit. Gendered expectations are normative ideas about masculinity or femininity rooted in biological sex, which reinforce gender roles and social hierarchies based on gender. Social hierarchies are systems wherein some groups benefit from greater power than others because of their gender or race. In this essay, I will explore how peer narratives about sexual conquest reinforce gendered expectations and social hierarchies in three main ways: 1) they construct a "sexual script" between men and women; 2) they create an uneven playing field for women who want to engage in casual sex; and 3) they promote certain types of sexual partnership models that perpetuate gender inequality.
Peer narratives about sexual conquest often construct a "sexual script" between men and women. This means that these narratives outline expected behaviors in a particular way, dictating what kinds of actions make someone appear desirable, confident, skilled, or powerful.
Men may use specific tactics to initiate contact with women (such as compliments or direct messages), while women might be encouraged to show their interest indirectly (like giving hints). Peer narratives thus influence how individuals approach sexual encounters, favoring the behaviors associated with traditional gender roles.
When discussing her first kiss, one woman said she was supposed to say no at least twice before agreeing to it, while another man shared how he had been taught to always get physical first without asking permission. These sexual scripts can lead to harmful outcomes for both genders - such as coercion, confusion, or even assault.
Peer narratives about sexual conquest create an uneven playing field for women who wish to engage in casual sex. Since women are expected to behave demurely and wait for male advances, they might feel pressured into having sex when they do not actually desire it. In contrast, men might feel like they have less agency in such situations because of societal expectations for them to take charge. One study found that many men believed they were obligated to initiate sexual interactions if presented with opportunities, whereas some women felt ambivalent about doing so. Such dynamics contribute to the idea that men should be more proactive while women should play a passive role during courtship, which reinforces stereotypes about masculinity and femininity. As a result, some women experience pressure from their peers to go along with sex despite feeling uncomfortable or unwilling.
Peer narratives promote certain types of sexual partnership models based on gender norms. They often center around heterosexual relationships between men and women wherein men initiate and pursue sexual encounters (e.g., "pickup artist" tactics), while women must be submissive and desirable (e.g., wearing revealing clothing). This creates a power imbalance in these interactions since men hold greater influence over the relationship's trajectory.
One woman said her partner would regularly ask for permission to touch her breasts after she had already consented; another man described how he would insist on kissing his date even though she resisted at first. These dynamics can lead to feelings of objectification, disrespect, and exploitation among those involved.
Peer narratives about sexual conquest reinforce gendered expectations and social hierarchies by constructing sexual scripts, creating an uneven playing field for women who want casual sex, and promoting specific sexual partnership models. By understanding how these narratives work, individuals can challenge them and create healthier relationships free from gender biases.
How do peer narratives about sexual conquest reinforce gendered expectations and social hierarchies?
Peer narratives about sexual conquest can reinforce gendered expectations and social hierarchies by perpetuating the idea that men are inherently more sexually promiscuous and aggressive than women and that their sexual success is a reflection of their masculinity.