Rigid Versus Flexible Sexual Roles
Sexual role theory is an area of research that examines the way men and women view gender roles in their relationship. It looks at how these roles shape their interaction during sex and beyond. There are several types of sexual roles, but this article will focus on those described as either rigid or flexible.
Rigid sexual roles involve one partner being more dominant than the other. This means they take charge during sex, making decisions about what happens and when it happens. They may also be the one who initiates sex most often. In general, men tend to adopt a more dominant role while women tend toward a submissive role.
Flexible sexual roles, on the other hand, can vary from situation to situation. One partner might sometimes dominate while the other submits, and vice versa. This can create a dynamic where both partners feel comfortable taking turns being in control during sex.
Partner Satisfaction
Partner satisfaction is important for overall happiness in a relationship. When it comes to rigid versus flexible sexual roles, studies have shown that there is no clear winner. Some research suggests that women enjoy sexual roles that allow them to play a more active part, while others suggest that men prefer traditional gender norms.
Some studies have found that heterosexual couples with more egalitarian attitudes towards sexual roles report higher levels of partner satisfaction compared to those with more traditional views.
One study showed that women reported higher levels of sexual arousal and pleasure when engaging in BDSM activities such as bondage, domination, submission, and masochism (BDSM).
Another study found that women in relationships where the man was more dominant were less satisfied with their sex lives. It's possible that these results are due to individual differences between participants rather than the type of sexual role itself.
Sexual Fulfillment
Sexual fulfillment refers to whether or not people feel like they have had a satisfying sex life. Research has shown that people who identify as bisexual tend to have more varied sexual experiences and therefore may experience greater sexual fulfillment than those who identify as straight or gay. People who enjoy experimenting with different types of sex also report higher levels of sexual fulfillment.
Flexible sexual roles can contribute to this by allowing individuals to try out new things without feeling confined by strict rules about what they should do during sex. Rigid sexual roles, on the other hand, might restrict certain behaviors or positions based on gender norms.
Relational Power Balance
Relational power balance is an important factor in any relationship. When one person has more power over another, it can lead to resentment and conflict. In terms of rigid versus flexible sexual roles, research shows that men who adopt a dominant role during sex tend to be more likely to want to control other aspects of the relationship as well. This can create an imbalance where women feel like they have little say in decisions outside of the bedroom.
Women who take on submissive roles during sex may also struggle to assert themselves in other areas of their relationship. They may feel like they don't have much input when making major decisions or negotiating compromises. Flexible sexual roles may offer a middle ground where both partners have an equal voice in all aspects of their lives together.
The debate around rigid versus flexible sexual roles is complex and multifaceted. While some studies suggest that one type is better for partner satisfaction or sexual fulfillment, others show that individual differences play a larger role.
Couples need to find a sexual dynamic that works for them and allows each partner to express their needs and desires within a healthy power balance.
How do rigid versus flexible sexual roles influence partner satisfaction, sexual fulfillment, and relational power balance?
Rigid gender roles can be defined as fixed expectations about how men and women should behave within their relationships and sexually, whereas flexible gender roles refer to partners that are open to exploring new ideas and having more egalitarian views on sexuality and power distribution in their relationship. Research shows that individuals with rigid attitudes tend to have lower levels of sexual satisfaction and relational dissatisfaction compared to those who adopt flexible beliefs (Goldberg et al. , 2016).