Wrap it up or wait? : Gender differences in attitudes regarding sex initiation and condom use

Social normative pressure and partner coercion play key roles in the sexual decisions of college students. Previous research on gender and power suggests an imbalance of authority in which females are socialized into submissive relationship roles. The purpose of this study is to assess gender differences in attitudes regarding sex initiation and condom use among college students. We surveyed 322 students at a Southeastern university using an anonymous questionnaire related to sexual behaviors. Almost all respondents identified non-LGBT and were predominantly female (75.6%) and white (73%). When asked about the perceived influence of a partner in the decision to have sex without a condom, 46.1% of females claim that their partner has “no influence” compared to only 19.7% of males. Conversely, 31% of males claim that their partner has “a lot” of influence in condom use compared to only 12.3% of females. The gender difference was also detected when respondents were asked about the perceived influence of a partner in the amount of time before engaging in sexual activities. While 33.3% of females claim their partner has “no influence” and 11.6% report that their partner has “a lot” of influence, only 11.9% of males report “no influence” and 38.8% claim “a lot of influence.” The results challenge former notions of gender, power, and patriarchal domination in relationships. The gender differences demonstrate females as empowered individuals of sexual authority in decisions. Sexual health curricula should address these power dynamics and aim at increasing the efficacy of males in sex negotiation.