The Sexual Behavior of Adolescents in Middle America: Generational and American-British Comparisons

Abstract

Data obtained from 4,220 middle American boys and girls in communities of different socioeconomic status offer no evidence of a major revolution in the sexual behavior of adolescents. Similar behavior for both sexes, at culturally defined lower levels of sexual activity, was shown. Light petting was the earliest stage at which girls demonstrated the sexual inhibitions associated withthe traditional double standard. Regardless of differences in incidence rates, the developmental progression of girls was similar to that of boys. American-British comparisons show the degree premarital coital activity can vary at different age levels in different societies. Findings support Reiss' proposal that social and cultural support theory is the best single explanation of premarital sexual intercourse.