This contrasts with pre-sexual revolution times when boys had their initial sexual encounter with so-called "bad" girls or "sluts" who were outside their social circle.
"Girls are not having less sex today, but they are insisting that they have it in a relationship," said Schwartz. "However, the definition of a relationship has changed. This drives parents crazy because a boyfriend can be like the flavor of the month rather than going with a guy for two years.
"A girl today might be called a 'slut' because she had sex outside a relationship, not because of the number of partners she had. Boys have to conform to this social context. A boy can't play around and have a girlfriend. His girlfriend may not be ready for sex so the boy delays his sexual activity or leaves the relationship."
The authors also speculate that girls' increasing influence over the conditions of sexual intercourse has contributed to an insistence on safer sex and increased use of more effective methods of birth control.
"Teen-agers are getting the message about safety," Schwartz said. "We are delighted that there are fewer teen-age moms and dads and that the rates of abortions and STDs are dropping."
However, she said most Americans are still in massive denial when it comes to conceding there is teen sexuality and being able to talk about it.
"I think we are grossed out at the idea of our kids being sexual, particularly adolescent sexuality," Schwartz said. "We have a visceral reaction to our daughters, in particular, being sexual beings the way we are. Fathers dont want their daughters treated the way they treated girls in high school. With boys there is less ambivalence. Parents are more worried abou
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Contact: Joel Schwarz
joels@u.washington.edu
206-543-2580
University of Washington
2-May-2002