The 'Right' Sexuality for Girls

Here's the beginning of a piece published this week in the Chronicle of Higher Education. You need a subscription to access it, however, and because of that, we can't re-publish it here on our blog.  But here's the beginning and the end paragraph to give you a taste. (Excuse the Candie's Jeans product placement -- wanted to use the photo but not endorse.)

From the issue dated June 27, 2008     
The 'Right' Sexuality for Girls

Setting up an elusive ideal can lead to false empowerment and isolation

By SHARON LAMB

Pity the pre-teen girl, one day riding her bike down the road at top speed, the next day shaped by marketers into a party diva. Close behind are a cadre of researchers interested in studying her sexual development and behavior. The change is because of a little event called puberty, which transforms young girls into objects of adults' invasive attention. Throughout history, societies have attempted to control the bodies of girls as they became women, for reasons ranging from protection to exploitation. And although we're not locking chastity belts, binding feet, or corseting waists any longer, our interest in what we see as girls' new sexuality is as intense as ever.

. . . (2000 words in between beginning and end)

When we tell teens about the kind of sexuality we hope will be theirs, we ought to be careful to guide them toward something that is achievable. For instance, turning away from the subject/object dichotomy and the notion of authentic desire might lead teens and adults to develop ways of being sexual that are more individualized and satisfying than simply accepting what the culture and the media think is sexy, or an idealized alternative. And an emphasis on mutuality could redefine shame, attaching it to the mistreatment of others rather than to the violation of social expectations.

Teenagers will always have their own definitions - both idealized and realistic - of good sex. But if researchers can show them achievable goals that include fairness and mutuality, we may be able to help young people form relationships that help them and their partners flourish.

 

Comments

[Adult Toys]

Hey, nice job on the blog here. Some good ideas. Keep up the good work.

[James Addison]

Thats very wonderful sex.When we tell teens about the kind of sexuality we hope will be theirs, we ought to be careful to guide them toward something that is achievable.
http://www.adultoysuk.co.uk/