Sexual scripts reflect social norms, practices and workings. In turn they provide frameworks and guidelines for sexual feelings and behaviors. In our society males typically dominate and are considered the center, a term known as patriarchy. This idea of patriarchy then allows it to be socially acceptable for women to take the more “back seat” role in relationships. The roles or positions in a relationship that a person holds are known as the “politics of sexuality.”
Depending on your gender, male or female, often dictates the role you play in the relationship. Traditionally men play the more dominate, authoritative roles, while women are considered more passive. In society men are also considered more the economic provider and women in contrast are supposed to take care of the home. If a woman does work home chores are still considered a responsibility and often times it is the priority. These roles that we are supposed to maintain are a product of out culture and society. These roles also change over time and throughout different cultures. For example boys are often taught not to show emotion while in girls it is encouraged. Also men are taught to play more dominant roles. As a result of these standards roles often encourage male dominance in heterosexual relationships. The text also states that “romance is one of the key ways that sexism is maintained in society (pg 175).”
Society also sets standards for what is socially accepted within relationships. Typically the societal norm in the United States is a heterosexual relationship, one between a man and a woman. However today there are also homosexual and bisexual relationships. The sexual preference of an individual is known as their sexual identity.
Even within these groups some are considered more acceptable than others. Bisexuality often carries the most negative connation by both straight and gay communities. They are often considered “over-sexed” individuals who are simultaneously have male and female sexual relationships. But in reality being bisexual doesn’t mean this at all.
Another negative stigma that occurs in none heterosexual relationships is that gay couples will raise gay children. Some people think that gay and lesbian couples will not make proper parents. However research shows that they can make just as acceptable parents as heterosexual parents. Despite this adopting and even working in jobs relating to children can be considered a challenge.
Overall this section illustrates another way the society sets norms and standards for people. Once again women typically are not the dominate individual and often do not hold an equal role.