“I don’t think I was constructed to be monogamous. I don’t think it’s the nature of any man to be monogamous. Men are propelled by genetically ordained impulses, over which they have no control, to distribute their seed into many females as possible” – Marlon Brando
The gender stereotype that I have chosen to research revolves around promiscuity, sexuality, and the different rules society has established for men and women. Promiscuity has a universal definition stating: one who indulges in many promiscuous (casual and indiscriminate) sexual relations. However, even though there is one definition, it applies differently between males and females. While what sexual behavior is considered “promiscuous” varies between cultures as does the prevalence of promiscuity, different standards for men and women are universally applied. I believe that there is a significant double standard between how men and women are judged for promiscuity.
“To sleep around is absolutely wrong for a woman; it’s degrading and it completely ruins her personality. Sooner or later it will destroy all that is feminine and beautiful and idealistic in her” – Barbara Cartland
Stereotypes of a promiscuous woman have tended to always be negative, bringing forth connotations of being a “slut”, “skank” or “easy”, while male stereotypes have been more positive, typically expressing approval for high number of sexual partners. When women are considered promiscuous they are looked down upon by both genders. Many men consider promiscuous women as objects solely for the purpose of receiving sexual gratification. Many women consider them undignified and unrefined, as well as dangerous to their own relationships with men. However for men, sexual conquests are considered a strong sign of manhood. This standard, in my opinion is so absurd, that while people preach about abstinence for young girls, they will wonder why a young man isn’t having sexual relations yet.
I have chosen to examine and further research this gender stereotype because it is one that angers me the most. After learning much about the History of the 1960s and becoming intrigued with the Sexual Revolution of the era, it has come to mean a lot to me. The fact that men are freely allowed to enjoy and partake in numerous sexual acts, but women are not, is quite disturbing to me. Not that I am promoting the idea of a ravenous group orgy for liberation, but rather I think sex is something enjoyable to both genders and should be accepted for both; one gender should not be made to feel guilty while another feels pleasure.
A good pop culture example of this stereotype is the song "Can't Hold Us Down" by Christina Aguilera and Lil Kim. This song is about gender stereotyping and promiscuity between males and females.
