1 If I Am a Slut, Then What is He? A Developmental Analysis of the Sexual Double Standard

The purpose of the study was to investigate developmental differences in the perception of the sexual double standard (SDS). The SDS is a social phenomenon in which men are rewarded and women are derogated for similar sexual activity. High school and college students were assessed. Participants read a hypothetical journal entry and afterward filled out an attitudes questionnaire on their perceptions of the journal author. The journal entry varied by gender of author and level of promiscuity. It was hypothesized that evidence of the SDS would be supported. Furthermore, based on the gender role intensification hypothesis, it was hypothesized that high school students – adolescents – would adhere more closely to the SDS than colleges students, meaning they would judge women more harshly than men based on sexuality. Both hypotheses were supported. The finding may have implications for approaching sexuality during adolescence in educational, parenting, and therapy settings