Why do men like unprotected sex?
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Gender stereotypes play a big role in the sexual relations between a man and a woman. Public opinion gives the man a dominant role in sexual relations, however, according to a study by Dr. Lisa Rosenthal of Yale University (USA) and her colleagues, this stereotype can harm both men and women and reduce the safety of sexual relations. In particular, the survey showed that the dominant role of the man, discussed by public opinion, leads to the refusal of most couples to use female condoms.
The study involved 357 young women and 126 young men from the American Northeastern State University. They were asked to fill out a questionnaire on the computer. Next to the computers were the baskets with female condoms.
Researchers assessed how students relate to the social hierarchy that has developed in society and to the male's dominant role in sexual relations, and how confident they feel in various situations related to gender relations. In addition, the authors of the survey checked how many female condoms each of the respondents took with them.
In general, women less often than men endorsed the view that the representatives of the stronger sex should play a major role in inter-sex relations. Students who approved the existing social hierarchy, often supported the idea of the main role of men in sex. In addition, it turned out that they are more likely than other respondents to feel insecure about various sex-related situations and disapprove of female condoms.
"These studies demonstrate that the relationship of men and women to the established hierarchy in the society can play a key role in their sexual behavior, and this relationship can also determine the relationship of men and women to various methods of ensuring sexual intercourse," concludes the research team in an article published in the magazine "Sex Roles".
"According to the results of the survey, the social attitude toward male domination in heterosexual relations harms not only women, but also men whose sexual behavior is restricted by stereotypes imposed on them."
Dr. Lisa Rosenthal adds that the focus on male domination of sex limits the methods of ensuring sexual intercourse. An example of such a phenomenon is the rejection of female condoms.