The Sexual Double Standard

Introduction

• Presenter: Dr. Orion Taraban
• Topic: The Sexual Double Standard
• Main Idea: Acceptability of having multiple sexual partners differs for men and women.

The Sexual Double Standard

• Definition:
  • Acceptable for men to have multiple partners.
  • Unacceptable for women to have multiple partners.
• Existence: Real and culturally determined.
• Framework: Behavioral economics

Key Principle

• Effort and Skill Value:
  • Outcomes achieved through effort and skill are valued higher than those achieved through inaction.
  • People generate value by applying effort and skill.

Application to Gender

• Men's Experience:
  • Inaction leads to no sexual outcome.
  • A man sitting alone at a bar will likely not be approached.
  • Male virginity is not celebrated as it involves inaction.
  • Requires effort and skill to be sexually selected by women.
  • Effort is needed both short-term (seduction) and long-term (mate selection).
• Women's Experience:
  • Likely approached by someone sooner rather than later.
  • Less effort needed to be propositioned by men.
  • Requires skill to filter options and choose high-value men.
  • Discernment and social savviness are crucial.
  • Inaction needed to prevent squandering resources.

Cultural Insight

• **Cultural Determinants: **
  • Not just superficial attitudes; deeply embedded social rules.
  • Rules on who approaches whom and who is valued for what.
• Example in Business:
  • Similar principles apply; those without money hustle, those with money need to safeguard it.

Conclusion

• Persistence of Double Standard:
  • Will exist until an average man can as easily find a willing sexual partner as a woman does.
  • Rooted in behavioral economics and value through effort/skill.
• Metaphor:
  • A key that can open any lock is good; a lock any key can open is bad.

Final Remarks

• Sensitivity: Acknowledge the subject's sensitivity.
• Engagement: Encourages respectful comments, subscriptions, and likes.
• Contact: Email for consultations at [email protected]