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Sexual Codes in Teen-Age Culture

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  • Ira L. Reiss

    (Iowa City, Iowa)

Abstract

The research evidence on sexual codes seems somewhat at odds with the popular view that teen-agers have a type of youth culture which, in its irresponsibility, extremism, and defiance, is in sharp conflict with the adult culture. The venereal disease rates, unwed motherhood rates, and studies of teen-age attitudes give evidence of a more conservative behavior pattern than exists for older couples. The most popular teen-age sexual codes are the double standard for boys and a petting-with-affection code for girls. Another code, which is minor and is strongest among older teen-agers, is permissiveness-with-affection, which allows coitus if there is a stable affectionate relation present. The custom of going steady is closely related to these codes, because our culture looks much more favorably upon sexual behavior when it occurs in such a stable, affectionate context as going steady affords. Finally, it should be noted that there are sharp class differences in sexual codes, and other factors such as education, religion, and ethnic group membership also affect teen-age sexual attitudes.

Suggested Citation

  • Ira L. Reiss, 1961. "Sexual Codes in Teen-Age Culture," The ANNALS of the American Academy of Political and Social Science, , vol. 338(1), pages 53-62, November.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:anname:v:338:y:1961:i:1:p:53-62
    DOI: 10.1177/000271626133800107
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