Parents' constructions of the sexual self-presentation and sexual conduct of adolescents: discourses of gendering and protecting

Abstract

In this article, we explore the discourses on sexuality that a sample of parents drew upon when they talked about teenage sexual self-presentation and conduct. The sample consisted of 43 parents (32 mothers and 11 fathers) of adolescents and pre-adolescents; data were gathered using in-depth interviews and were analysed using a strategy known as modified analytical induction. Findings indicated that while an acceptance the traditional heterosexual script permeated participants' accounts, and protective discourses in relation to young women were brought to bear, so too were protective discourses invoked in relation to young men. On the whole, young women tended to be cast as sexual subjects who chose to self-sexualize, and this was sometimes presented by participants as a threat to young men.We argue that the discourses that parents connoted were multiple and sometimes contradictory, and our analysis problematizes the notion that conventional discourses singularly cast women as objects of male sexuality. However, the overall picture indicated that in parents' narratives, girls tended to be more heavily regulated and either viewed as needing protection from male sexual advances or castigated for encouraging them.

Abordagem da sexualidade no diálogo entre pais e adolescentes

“…Some parents have no theoretical or historical basis for their argumentation because, during their adolescence, the topic was also neglected by their parents. (1,5,11) In the present study, fathers showed greater facility for discussing this topic with male children, a fact corroborated by other authors, who found that addressing sexuality with male children was easier. (11,14) In this respect, boys are less inhibited and therefore start their sexual lives earlier than girls.…”

“…This authoritarian approach has cultural reflections because, historically, the approach to sexuality by the family has been restricted to preventing pregnancy. (11) Concerns about how to behave in the face of a child's demonstration of sexuality are still raised by parents. The parents understand sexuality as something related to reproduction, which directly implies pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.…”

“…Discussions of subjective topics have a greater influence on adolescents than simple exposure to information because they promote participation, questioning, and the creation of assumptions. (11) It was noted that parents' strong resistance to starting the conversation with their children is a result of the lack of preparation, embarrassment addressing the issue, or both. In addition, some parents fear that the early introduction of the topic may represent parental approval for the adolescents to initiate their sexual lives earlier.…”

Discourses of sexual relationships in a sample of German and British young people: a Q methodological study

“…However, while the account in factor 2 places sex in a casual and fun setting, the third discourse highlights a struggle between a relational ideal and an reality defined by lack of control around sexual activity. This factor supports research that highlights the potential problems that can emerge when more prohibitive societies portray especially young girls' sexuality as something that is dangerous and needs to be controlled, instead of highlighting the right of young people to experience sexual pleasure freedom as more sexually open societies seem to do (Joshi, Peter, and Valkenburg 2011;Hyde et al 2012). It seems that these mixed messages are taken up by young people themselves.…”

“…Discourse 1, for example, the most common of the narratives produced by the young people in the study tells a story of responsibility, intimacy and sensitivity. Within the context of existing research as well as dominant societal and media portrayals of young men (Joshi, Peter and Valkenburg 2011;Hyde et al 2012), the number of young men who drew on this factor is surprising. In this it supports research by Smiler (2008, 17) who identified relational reasons for young men's dating and sexual engagement and challenges researchers to go "beyond stereotypes when examining boys' romantic and sexual relationships".…”