The Gamesmanship of Sex: A Model Based on African American Adolescent Accounts

Abstract

This article examines adolescent understanding of the social context of sexual behavior. Using grounded theory to interpret interviews with 39 African American male and female adolescents, the article builds a model of sex-related behavior as a set of interrelated games. A courtship game involves communication of sexual or romantic interest and, over time, formation of a romantic relationship. A duplicity game draws on conventions of a courtship game to trick a partner into having sex. A disclosure game spreads stories about one's own and other's sex-related activities to peers in a gossip network. Finally, a prestige game builds social reputation in the eyes of peers, typically based on gender-specific standards. The article concludes by examining the meanings that sex-related behavior may have for adolescents and the potential use of social knowledge for facilitating adolescent health.

Factors that shape young people's sexual behaviour: a systematic review

“…25,41,43 Men, on the other hand, may scheme and plot to obtain sex, for example, by deceiving women into thinking the relationship is a serious one when it is not. 13,44 Paradoxically, despite the stigmatising effect for women in carrying condoms or using other contraception, women, not men, are generally considered responsible for pregnancy prevention.…”

“…Complying with gender expectations can raise social status: for men, by having many partners, 21,30,42,44,46,47 for women, by chastity or securing a stable, exclusive relationship with a man. 30,43,48 While pregnancy outside marriage can be stigmatising, for some women pregnancy can be an escape route from the parental home.…”

“…50,51 Sex can also be a way to obtain money and gifts from boyfriends: this is particularly well-described for sub-Saharan Africa, 21,22,33,52 but is not exclusive to the region. 27,44 The relation between individual motivations and social expectations is complex. For instance, behaviours considered risky or taboo can become desirable for that very reason.…”

“…27 Although direct intergenerational communication about sex is rare, 22,25 family members may for instance prevent young people socialising with members of the opposite sex, to protect family and individual reputations. 50 Young men's reputations can suffer if they are not seen to push for sexual access and numerous female partners, 8,18,44,55 so displaying heterosexual activity can be important. 24,46,[58][59][60] Groups of men commonly visit brothels together in Thailand, 47,61 Philippines, 62 and Cambodia.…”

“…Young men not having sex with their girlfriends may be accused of being "gay". 30,44 Some worry they will be unable to achieve penetration, 42 and may even avoid condom use for fear of loss of erection.…”