By laurenpoole. The link between sex and reproduction is weaker than ever, and pre-marital sex, once unacceptable, is now the norm. At uni, thanks to the popularity of apps like Tinder and the prevalent drinking culture, casual dating and one night stands are common. So why are women still being shamed for having casual sex? There are clear health benefits: sex can improve brain function and mood, boost the immune system, and regulate menstruation.
There has long been a double standard in the way society treats male and female sexuality. However, this is nothing new. Throughout history female sexual desires and needs were repressed in favour of the ideal pure, virgin woman, and women who did have pre-marital sex were considered dirty, and unworthy of marriage or respect. In recent decades women have reclaimed ownership and control of their sexuality, realising that rather than losing some false idea of purity or respectability when we have sex, there is actually plenty to gain.
However, despite the normalisation of casual sex, particularly within the student sphere, women still suffer the brunt of the shame attached to it.
When asked to give reasons for regretting casual encounters, men cited factors such as their partner being not attractive enough, whereas women primarily reported feeling ashamed. While men seem able to talk about their hookups without judgement, women often feel the need to give a pretext to their casual encounters in order to avoid it.
The stigma still connected to hookups is based in outdated and sexist ideas. Your sex life is your business, and you are free to enjoy and celebrate your sexuality however you choose. Skip to main content. Our response to hookups for men and women are polar opposite β women are slut-shamed, whilst men are applauded β the stigma around casual sex needs to end, writes Lauren Poole.
