Sexual Trends Among Teens

According to Risman and Schwartz' article, what are the main trends in sexual activity among teens?
The authors work to describe the fact that teenagers are continuing to be sexually active. However, it is more conservative and the accusation that teenage sexually activity is a social problem is refuted. Statistics prove that a lower percentage of teenagers between the ages of 15 and 17 are engaging in sexual activity and in correlation there has been a decrease in the recorded number of teen pregnancies, teenage mothers, and abortions.

How do the authors explain these trends?
In an effort to explain the decline in sexual activity and the correlating problems associated with teenage sex, the authors speculated that "the success of abstinence education, the cultural backlash against the sexual revolution, or the fear of disease (or some combination of these factors)" can be accounted for. Teenagers are engaging in more responsible sex rather than postponing sex until marriage. They are more aware of the negative outcomes of irresponsible sex and have learned this through the "carnage of their parents' generation- divorce, disease, and a loss of status for the women's choice to say no- and decided to reestablish their power through less, not more, sexuality.

According to England and Thomas, what are the main trends in romantic and sexual behaviors among college students?
England and Thomas argue that "dating" is declining and the college "hook up" is increasing. Hooking up is defined as any sexual behavior- whether it be kissing, nongenital touching, genital touching, oral sex, and intercourse and is very often linked with drinking. College students are more likely to hook up rather than go on a date and often do not go out on dates until after they have been hooking up for a while. Therefore, hooking up can lead to a relationship or just for instant gratification. Often, a girl and boy will hook up continuously and only consider themselves "friends with benefits." In addition, a girl and boy will consider themselves to be "dating" when they are in fact in an exclusive relationship.
More students are engaging in sexual activity but are being more responsible about their actions. For example, the majority of women use birth control and men are using condoms.


What gender differences are documented in both of these articles?
Both articles embark on the fact that both men and women are waiting longer to have sex and are being more responsible to do so. In addition, women are more likely to not have sex until they are in an exclusive relationship. This can be attributed to the double- standard and negative stigma of being labeled a slut. Men are not as emotionally attached and are more likely to have sex outside of a relationship.

Compare these authors' observations to your own high school and college experiences?
The authors observations are exactly true. I have noticed that the dating scene has dramatically decreased and is basically non- existant. Women are more likely to have sex only in a relationship and are being more responsible with their sexual activity. I feel as though this study could have been conducted at Boston College because it describes the sexual trends on campus to a tee.