Presuming the influence of the media: teenagers' constructions of gender identity through sexual/romantic relationships and alcohol consumption

Abstract

Using empirical data from group discussions and in-depth interviews with 13 to 15-year olds in Scotland, this study explores how teenagers’ alcohol drinking and sexual/romantic relationships were shaped by their quest for appropriate gendered identities. In this, they acknowledged the influence of the media, but primarily in relation to others, not to themselves, thereby supporting Milkie's ‘presumed media influence’ theory. Media portrayals of romantic/sexual relationships appeared to influence teenagers’ constructions of gender-appropriate sexual behaviour more than did media portrayals of drinking behaviour, perhaps because the teenagers had more firsthand experience of observing drinking than of observing sexual relationships. Presumed media influence may be less influential if one has experience of the behaviour portrayed. Drinking and sexual behaviour were highly interrelated: sexual negotiation and activities were reportedly often accompanied by drinking. For teenagers, being drunk or, importantly, pretending to be drunk, may be a useful way to try out what they perceived to be gender-appropriate identities. In sum, teenagers’ drinking and sexual/romantic relationships are primary ways in which they do gender and the media's influence on their perceptions of appropriate gendered behaviour is mediated through peer relationships.

A systematic review and qualitative synthesis of adolescents’ views of sexual readiness

“…Younger adolescents in the Hartley et al . () and Suvivuo et al . () studies (13‐15 years) had higher expectations about sex than older adolescents.…”

“…, Hartley et al . ). This means that adolescents may be torn between what adults are telling them and how they are expected to behave with their peers.…”

“…, Lesch & Furphy , Barrientos Delgado & Silva Segovia , Hartley et al . ) emphasized that a key form of social learning was the passing down of sexual scripts. These were rooted in constructions of idyllic adult heterosexual relationships that originate from dominant adult discourses which are tacitly shared among peers.…”

“…This was corroborated by those in the Hartley et al . () study who claimed alcohol increased their confidence to communicate with females. Thus, for some adolescents, the rewards sex brings may outweigh considerations of physical health risks as this is not their primary concern.…”

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

“…Considering the growing availability of social media and its potential influence on young people' selfrepresentations (Hartley, Wight, and Hunt 2014), understanding the role of wider cultural messages in young people's sense-making of their own sexuality is vital so as to help young people develop a positive view of sexuality. As McMillan and Worth (2011) highlight, different cultural contexts, even if in close geographical proximity, may well carry with them different implications for intervention.…”