>>166276315Both men and women participate in hookups, but Bogle notes that males and females often choose casual sex for different reasons.[19] Researchers suggest men and women have distinct sexual scripts, ways in which cultural influences can affect an individual's sexual behaviors.[19][16] Furthermore, society judges the sexual behaviors of men and women in a completely different manner.[19][16] For men, sex is characterized as "central to male identity," and research suggests men tend to "prefer nonrelational sex."[16] In contrast, women are viewed as "sexual objects" and are normally "sexually passive compared to men."[16] Society typically admires or glorifies men who frequently engage in casual sex, but women are scrutinized or admonished for the same behaviors.[19] For that reason, a woman's sexual script has more focus on finding some type of commitment or relationship.[19] Additionally, women pursue relationships to "protect their reputation" in college, but men have more sexual freedom without the fear of reproach.[19] Females risk being called "sluts" or being accused of "getting around too much" since society has historically identified that as inappropriate behavior for females.[19][31] Men are not held to the same standards, particularly in high school and college. Men who engage in regular sexual activity are seen as successful individuals who are "players."[19] In fact, men are rarely reprimanded for their sexual behavior unless they are practicing abstinence in which case their peers might say that they cannot "get any."[19]
