Sexualization and Youth: Concepts, Theories, and Models

SAGE Publications. 2455 Teller Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320. Tel: 800-818-7243; Tel: 805-499-9774; Fax: 800-583-2665; e-mail: [email protected]; Web site: http://sagepub.com

Y

11

Sexuality; Females; Social Theories; Social Change; Role; Social Values; Gender Differences; Moral Values; Models; Sex Role; Interpersonal Attraction; Sex Stereotypes; Social Cognition; Risk; Developmental Stages; Self Concept; Puberty; Socialization; Peer Acceptance; Parent Child Relationship; Human Body; Mental Health; Social Status

10.1177/0165025419870611

0165-0254

Youth in Western countries are exposed to many messages that sexualize women. We selectively review the literature on sexualization with the goal of clarifying and integrating theories, constructs, and models of the pathways and mechanisms via which exposure to such messages may affect youth. In the first section of the article, we define sexualization and discuss historical change concerning the construct. In the second section, we highlight the role that core values concerning sexuality and gender play in designing and interpreting research on sexualization. In the third section, we provide a conceptual analysis of the various psychological constructs related to sexualization, noting their roots in particular theories. In the fourth section, we discuss developmental issues and, in fifth and sixth sections, we present conceptual models of the antecedents and consequences of believing that sexual attractiveness to men is an important aspect of the female gender role among girls and boys, respectively.

As Provided

2019

EJ1235036