Uncovering peer norms for sexual relations: A feminist exploration

Utilizing both Script theory and the Feminist Postmodern Perspective, this study explored the sexual norms of college women associated with a social organization (sorority or cooperative), the role the peer group plays in shaping these norms, and the ways in which individual women actively resist, work within, or maintain them. Data were collected through a mixed-method qualitative design consisting of three focus groups and 23 depth interviews. Miller and Crabtree\u27s (1999) Template and Immersion/Crystallization styles were used to organize the data for analysis, which included both case and cross-case procedures. Participants discussed competing cultural level expectations (“abstinence until marriage” vs. “college women have sex”). Likewise, three interpersonal script paths emerged from the discussions of what is perceived as appropriate and inappropriate sexual behavior. The majority of participants followed either the abstinence approach or the relational approach to making choices about sexual intercourse; however, the casual approach was perceived to be an appropriate path to making decisions about a range of other non-coital sexual activities. At the same time, following the path of casual permissiveness often put a woman at risk for peer regulation such as being sexually labeled. Implications for programming and future research are discussed