CASUAL SEX

Casual Sex



Abstract

In this study we try to explore the concept of casual sex in a holistic context. The main focus of the research is on casual sex and its relation with acceptance level of men and women. The research also analyzes many aspects of casual sex and tries to gauge its effect on acceptance level of men and women. Finally the research describes various factors which are responsible for casual sex and tries to describe the overall effect of casual sex on acceptance level of men and women.

Casual Sex

Introduction

The transition to adulthood is a time of exploration and experimentation? as young people hone the life skills? relationship styles? and behavior patterns that will impact their emotional functioning and health as adults (di Mauro? 1995). The journey to adulthood often includes experimentation with sexual behaviors: the majority of adolescents first engage in intercourse before they graduate high school (Kaiser Family Foundation? 2003). Using a nationally representative sample of adolescent females? Manning? Longmore? and Giordano (2000) found that first intercourse experiences occurred in the context of a romance for the majority of young people.

Casual sexual relationships or encounters are referred to by a variety of lexis in research literature and in popular discourse. For example? in research these relations have been referred to as "chance encounters" (Fisher & Byrne? 1978)? "one-night stands" (Cubbins & Tanfer? 2000; Simpson & Gangestad? 1991)? "hookups" (Paul? McManus? & Hayes? 2000)? "sociosexuality" (Simpson & Gangestad? 1991)? "anonymous sex" (McGuire? Shega? Nicholls? & Deese? 1992)? and "casual sex" (Regan & Dreyer? 1999). In the popular press? it has been referred to as "meaningless sex" (Solomon & Taylor? 2000)? "friends with benefits?" and "booty call" (Marklein? 2002). Casual sexual relationships can be sexual interludes with strangers (Manning el al.? 2000) or they can be sex with a friend (Shaffer? 2000). They can be brief or long in duration (Shaffer; Simpson & Gangestad? 1991). Regardless of terminology? all are describing sexual relationships in which the partners do not define the relationship as romantic or their partner as a boyfriend or girlfriend. These meetings are often superficial? based on sexual desire or physical attraction? spontaneous? and often impulsive (Regan & Dreyer; Simpson & Gangestad? 1992).

Literature Review

There is abundant evidence that gender is an important factor in casual sex participation? as males have consistently been found to have significantly more casual sex partners than females (Buss? 1988; Hill? 2002). In their sexual relationships? late adolescent males and females both state that emotional investment is a priority (Hill). For females? however? emotional investment is far more important? and sexual intercourse is often rewarding in contexts that command intimacy and emotional commitment (Cohen & Shotland? 1996: Hill). Females tend to engage in sex behaviors with partners when they believe that by doing so.

Individuals appear to have a variety of styles or approaches to relationships. Lee (1988) developed a series of ethnographic studies to assess love relationships. Following qualitative analyses? Lee identified several love styles or approaches to interpersonal relationships: Eros ...