Double Standards for Women and Men's Sexual Freedom
Women have been subject to many more constraints regarding their sexuality than men throughout history. While it is true that both genders experience pressure from society to conform to certain norms, women still face disproportionate stigma when they act out sexually compared to men. Double standards are one factor responsible for these disparities. A double standard is a set of beliefs wherein one group has higher expectations placed upon them than another. In this case, there are societal differences between what behaviors are expected of male versus female sexuality.
While heterosexual males may be pressured into getting married before engaging in sex, women are often shamed for having premarital sex regardless of their relationship status. This can make it difficult for women to explore their sexuality without being judged harshly.
It implies that women who do enjoy casual sex or are nonmonogamous are somehow less desirable than those who abide by traditional gender roles. As such, women feel much greater pressure to remain chaste until marriage due to the fear of social backlash. On the other hand, men have historically enjoyed far fewer restrictions regarding their sexual behavior than females.
The concept of "slut-shaming" does not extend as strongly to males; rather, they are often praised for promiscuity. They also receive different treatment for similar acts like cheating on a partner or refusing to wear condoms during intercourse.
Another common double standard involves parenting and how children affect a couple's reputation. When a woman becomes pregnant outside of marriage, she is more likely to face judgment than her male counterpart. Men are seldom called "bad fathers," but women who conceive out of wedlock are frequently ostracized.
Women who choose abortion after an unplanned pregnancy might experience stigma from their peers or family members, whereas abortions performed by men generally go unnoticed.
These types of standards shape people's experiences with sex, which directly impacts both genders' sense of sexual freedom. Women may feel shame about expressing themselves sexually while men tend to be encouraged to explore themselves without worry. In this way, society continues to reinforce inequality between the sexes when it comes to matters of sexuality.
How do societal double standards impact women's vs. men's sense of sexual freedom?
Women are often expected to conform to traditional gender roles, which can limit their sexual freedom. In some cultures, it is seen as improper for women to express their sexual desires or engage in casual sex. This pressure can lead to feelings of shame, guilt, or fear about exploring their sexuality. On the other hand, men may be encouraged to explore their sexuality more freely, leading to greater opportunities for experimentation and pleasure.