Sexual script theory

This image depicts some particular issues that can arise within a romantic relationship. It also portrays how certain tones of a relationship can change. Sometimes this is the unspoken language between a man and a woman. This photo relates to the common stereotypes that can be seen in relationships.

Sexual script theory is a sociological theory that states that all social behavior, including sexual behavior, is socially scripted, meaning that humans follow approved norms about how individuals in a relationship may embrace one another, embody, and react to each other via the process of socialization.^[1]

Sexual script theory was introduced by sociologists John H. Gagnon and William Simon in their 1973 book Sexual Conduct.^[2] According to Gagnon and Simon, sexual scripts are guidelines for appropriate sexual behavior and sexual encounters. Sexual behavior and encounters become behavior that is learned as well as instinctive.^[2] Each partner in a consensual sexual encounter behaves as if they were an actor following a script, rather than acting on impulse alone.^[1] Therefore, people in a relationship may draw upon this idea when thinking about their own sexual experiences or when participating in sexual acts themselves.^[1]

^ ^a ^b ^c Rutagumirwa SK, Bailey A (2018-09-10). ""The Heart Desires but the Body Refuses": Sexual Scripts, Older Men's Perceptions of Sexuality, and Implications for Their Mental and Sexual Health". Sex Roles. 78 (9): 653–668. doi:10.1007/s11199-017-0822-3. PMC 5897462. PMID 29670317.
^ ^a ^b Wiederman MW (2015). "Sexual Script Theory: Past, Present, and Future". In DeLamater J, Plante R (eds.). Handbook of the Sociology of Sexualities. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Cham: Springer International Publishing. pp. 7–22. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-17341-2_2. ISBN 978-3-319-17340-5. S2CID 141789857.

[:0-1] Rutagumirwa SK, Bailey A (2018-09-10). ""The Heart Desires but the Body Refuses": Sexual Scripts, Older Men's Perceptions of Sexuality, and Implications for Their Mental and Sexual Health". Sex Roles. 78 (9): 653–668. doi:10.1007/s11199-017-0822-3. PMC 5897462. PMID 29670317.

[Wiederman_2015-2] Wiederman MW (2015). "Sexual Script Theory: Past, Present, and Future". In DeLamater J, Plante R (eds.). Handbook of the Sociology of Sexualities. Handbooks of Sociology and Social Research. Cham: Springer International Publishing. pp. 7–22. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-17341-2_2. ISBN 978-3-319-17340-5. S2CID 141789857.

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