The consumption of alcohol is a key component of hookup culture which was prevalent throughout the literature (Allison & Risman 2013; Armstrong et al. , 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Hess et al. , 2015; Kelly 20012; Paul McManus & Hayes 2000; Reid et al. , 2011; Ronen 2012; Ven & Beck 2009). Majority of the literature stated that the presence of alcohol and being intoxicated is a norm for parties among college students, and goes hand in hand with sexual activities (Kelly 2012; Paul et al. , 2000; Reid et al. , 2011; Ven & Beck 2009).
Additionally, women’s sexual behaviors outside a committed relationship are highly scrutinized due to sexual double standards, therefore being under the influence of alcohol serves as an ‘excuse function’ for women (Allison & Risman 2013; Kelly 2012; Paul et al. , 2000; Reid et al. , 2011; Ven & Beck 2009). It is evident after reviewing relevant literature on hookup culture that women need an excuse to act on their sexual desires, and therefore use alcohol as a method to excuse their behaviors (Allison & Risman 2013; Kelly 2012; Paul et al. 2000; Reid et al. , 2011; Ven & Beck 2009). Moreover, the literature points out that alcohol allows women to dismiss certain behaviors and activities as they use being drunk as an excuse for their actions (Allison & Risman 2013; Kelly 2012; Paul et al. , 2000; Reid et al. , 2011; Ven & Beck 2009). Sociologists Ven and Beck (2009) conducted interviews with heterosexual college students and asked them to tell stories about when they were drunk. Majority of the stories involved the students getting drunk at a party and hooking up (Ven & Beck 2009).
One women claimed that she was very drunk and hooked up with a male friend, she mentions that she regretted the hookup in the morning and felt guilt and shameful (Ven & Beck 2009). The women later used alcohol as an excuse to justify her questionable sexual behavior blaming her behavior on being drunk (Ven & Beck 2009). Similarly, Ronen et al. , (2010) conducted participant observation during college parties and concluded that sexualized dancing known as grinding was fueled by alcohol which preceded hooking up.
Therefore, majority of the literature on hookup culture suggests that sexual double standards results in women utilizing alcohol as an ‘excuse function’ in order to avoid being stigmatized (Allison & Risman 2013; Armstrong et al. , 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Hess et al. , 2015; Kelly 20012; Paul McManus & Hayes 2000; Reid et al. , 2011; Ronen 2012; Ven & Beck 2009). Sexual Neglect Pleasure for Men Only It was apparent throughout the literature on hookup culture that sexual double standards impact women’s sexual satisfaction. According to sociologists Armstrong et al. (2012), Hamilton and Armstrong (2009), Reid et al. , (2011), and Ronen (2010), hookups offer heterosexual women the ability to have some sexual pleasure without the demands of a committed relationship.
However, these occur within a highly gendered context where sexual double standards persist (Armstrong et al. , 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Reid et al. , 2011; Ronen 2010). Additionally, gender inequality has contributed towards heterosexual dating norms which suggests that men initiate dates and therefore have the agency in relationship building Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Reid et al. 2011). Thereby, majority of the literature suggests that men are more likely to initiate hookups and get more sexual pleasure than women (Allison & Risman 2013; Armstrong et al. , 2012; Hess et al. , 2015; Reid et al. , 2011; Ronen 2010).
According to Armstrong et al. , (2012), Hess et al. , (2015) and Paul’s et al. , (2000) findings due to sexual double standards men less likely to take their female partner’s sexual needs into consideration during a hookup (Armstrong et al. , 2012; Hess et al. 2015; Paul et al. , 2000). This is due to sexual double standards as the literature suggests that men feel they are entitled to sexual pleasure within a hookup context. While, women question whether or not it is acceptable to have their sexual desires met (Armstrong et al. , 2012; Hess et al. , 2015; Paul et al. , 2000). Similarly, Ronen’s (2010) participant observation at college parties suggest that sexualized dancing known as grinding merely benefit men and their sexual pleasures.
Throughout the literature it was apparent that men’s sexual pleasures came before women, as women reported feeling merely like ‘sex objects’ (Armstrong et al 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009). During Hamilton and Armstrong’s (2009) interviews with heterosexual college students one women claimed, “the guy gets off and then its done and that’s all he cares about” (p. 599). Throughout the literature majority of women who hooked up reported feeling disrespected and as if their sexual pleasures were completely disregarded (Armstrong et al. 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong et al. , 2009). According to sociologists Allison and Risman (2013), Armstrong et al. , (2012) and Ronen (2010), men are more selfish when it comes to their sexual pleasure as they ignore women’s right to pleasure within a hookup context. In addition, women seemed to be more focused on pleasing their male sexual partner and less focused on their pleasure (Armstrong et al. , 2010; Armstrong et al. , 2012; Ven & Beck 2009).
They were more concerned with pleasing their male partner and being seen as ‘hot’ and ‘desirable’ by them (Armstrong et al. , 2010; Armstrong et al. , 2012; Ven & Beck 2009). Women privilege men’s pleasure while ignoring their own, thereby confirming that men have a higher status then them (Allison & Risman 2013; Armstrong et al. , 2010; Ronen 2010). Similarly, Allison and Risman (2013) confirmed that women who were in committed relationships reporting having more orgasms than compared to women who casually hooked up.
In addition, this is due to the fact that women’s sexual desires are acknowledged in committed relationships (Allison & Risman 2013). Majority of the literature suggests that due to sexual double standards, women report not having their sexual pleasures met since they focus more on the men’s pleasure when hooking up and thereby feeling disrespected (Allison & Risman 2013; Armstrong et al. , 2010; Armstrong et al. , 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009).
Conclusion Review After reviewing the literature on hookup culture it was evident that more heterosexual college students are hooking up outside of committed relationships (Armstrong et al. , 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Reid et al. , 2011; Ronen 2010). Majority of the literature suggests that dominant cultural scripts around heterosexuality reinforces gender inequality thereby reproducing sexual double standards within hookup culture Armstrong, Hamilton & England 2010; Reid et al. , 2011; Ronen 2010).
In addition, sexual double standards involve men who engage in a lot of sexual activities to be normal while women who are highly sexually active are stigmatized (Allison & Risman 2013; Reid et al. , 2011; Ronen 2010)). These sexual double standards thereby impact heterosexual college women’s experiences with hooking up.
Majority of the literature suggests that women who engage in sexual behaviors are stigmatized and ‘slut-shamed’ by society (Armstrong et al. , 2010; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Hess et al. 2015; Kelly 2012; Reid et al. , 2011; Ronen 2010). Therefore, these women police their behaviors and refrain from pursuing too much sexual behaviors (Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Hess et al. , 2015; Reid et al. , 2011; Ronen 2010). In addition, women who are highly sexually active are labeled ‘not relationship material’ by men and thus practice impression management in order to portray themselves as being a ‘lady’ (Allison and Risman 2013; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Hess et al. 2015; Reid et al. , 2011). Additionally, women adopt intoxication from alcohol as an ‘excuse function’, as they blame uncharacteristic behaviors on being drunk and thereby justifiable ((Allison & Risman 2013; Kelly 2012; Paul et al. , 2000; Reid et al. , 2011; Ven & Beck 2009).
Lastly, women report feeling disrespected and not being sexual desires met in a hookup context as they focus on pleasing men more (Allison & Risman 2013; Armstrong et al. , 2012; Armstrong et al. 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong et al. , 2009; Hess et al. , 2015; Ronen 2010; Ven & Beck 2009). Limitations Majority of the literature on hookup culture is associated with heterosexual men and women, therefore, it lacks information on non-heterosexual individuals such as lesbians and gay men. In addition, majority of the literature uses small sample sizes in their studies, therefore it would be better to use larger sample sizes in order to see if the results are similar.
Moreover, the literature lacks information on the consequences that may arise with college students hooking up rather then being in relationships. Larger Area of Study The literature on hookup culture can provide evidence for and connections to rapes on college campuses. Additionally, since college students are highly sexually active and engage in hookup culture one can use this literature to draw conclusions and reasons as to why there is an increase in rape cases on college campuses.
Furthermore, police officials can use this literature on hookup culture to understand the motives and patterns of heterosexual men and women. They can also draw conclusions and connected with the presence of alcohol and sexual assaults. Lastly, this literature on hookup culture can aid health care professionals bring awareness and educate college students on STDs and having protected sex as college students are participating more in sexual behaviors.
