"Prior to the sexual revolution era," writes Kathleen Bogle in her new book, Hooking Up: Sex, Dating, and Relationships on Campus, "women were expected to have sex, particularly intercourse, only with their husbands. Since then, sex prior to marriage has become the norm for both men and women. On the campuses I studied, most students assumed sex would be a part of committed, exclusive relationship; yet students were also aware that sex (including intercourse) was often part of the hookup script. Students evaluated their peers, particularly their female peers, based on the context in which sex occurs. In the hookup culture, men and women are permitted to (and do) engage in sexual encounters that are, by definition, outside of the context of a committed relationship. However, there are prejudices against women who are seen as being too active in the hookup scene."
Men she says, have a clear sense that it was unacceptable for women to "get around." Furthermore, many of the men she interviewed said that women needed to "watch themselves" in terms of flirting, drinking, and "letting go," in the parties where the hookup culture ferments. As one guy puts it, drinking contributes to guys ends up fighting, but when girls drink too much, they "take their clothes off."
Men she said, were reluctant to be in a relationship with a woman who was seen as highly active in the sex department--even men who admitted they were highly sexually active. Bogle states that women who were in a relationship was some kind of way for women to manage their reputation.
Bogle says that "For those on the outside looking in, it may appear that men and women are on an equal playing field in the hookup culture on campus. Upon closer inspection, however, it becomes clear that college men are in a position of power. "
