New research sheds light on how societal norms and expectations related to gender roles influence individuals’ sexual behaviors within intimate partnerships. The findings, published in the Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, reveals that adherence to traditional gender roles is associated with a decrease in sexual desire but an increase in the frequency of sexual activities. This counterintuitive finding suggests that societal norms and expectations about gender may play a significant role in shaping our intimate lives.
Research has progressively recognized the dyadic nature of sexual desire, acknowledging that an individual’s sexual motivation can be significantly influenced by their partner’s desires. This body of work has begun to challenge traditional views that primarily see sexual desire as an individual trait, isolated from the relational and social context.
Despite the growing body of research acknowledging the dyadic nature of sexual desire, there remains a gap in understanding how societal norms and expectations, particularly those related to gender roles, impact individuals’ sexual behaviors and consent within intimate partnerships. The new study aimed to fill this gap.
“As a sex therapist, I am very concerned about the potential trauma individuals may experience in the context of obligatory sex in their relationship, even when there is no clear aggressor,” said study author Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan, an associate professor and the director of the Science of Sex Lab at the University of Haifa. “This concern is rooted in the understanding that challenges related to sexual dynamics within conservative committed relationships, particularly obligatory sex, can lead to significant and lasting consequences, encompassing psychological and emotional trauma.”
In the study, a sample of 675 individuals aged between 25 to 50 years, who were in a cohabiting relationship with their partner for at least 12 months completed a web-based survey. To ensure a broad and inclusive reach, the study was advertised not only on general social media outlets but also on platforms catering to specific ethnic and cultural communities within Israel, including those of Ethiopian and Palestinian-Arab heritage. The survey was made available in both Hebrew and Arabic.
Participants provided a range of sociodemographic information, including age, gender, religion, educational background, relationship status, and sexual orientation, among others. This data collection was crucial for analyzing the influence of various demographic factors on the study’s primary variables.
Traditional gender roles were assessed using the Domestic Roles subscale of the Patriarchal Beliefs Scale, which assesses the extent to which individuals endorse traditional views of gender roles, where men are typically seen as the breadwinners and decision-makers, and women as the primary caretakers and responsible for household chores. Example items include “Cleaning is mostly a woman’s job” and “A man should make the rules of the house.”
Sexual desire and attraction to the partner were evaluated through direct questions asking participants to rate their desire and attraction over the past year. Additionally, the frequency of sexual relations was gauged using a scale that ranged from not engaging in sexual activity at all in the past year to engaging in sexual activity almost every day.
Male participants reported significantly higher levels of sexual desire and attraction to their partner compared to female participants. Moreover, men also reported engaging in sexual activities with their partners more frequently than women did. This finding aligns with traditional perceptions and stereotypes that suggest men typically exhibit a higher sexual drive than women.
When the variable of traditional gender roles was introduced into the analysis, the picture became more nuanced. Participants who strongly endorsed traditional gender roles reported lower levels of sexual desire and attraction towards their partners. Despite this decrease in desire, they engaged in sexual activities more frequently than those with a lower endorsement of traditional roles. This paradox suggests that traditional gender roles may compel individuals to prioritize the fulfillment of perceived sexual duties over their own sexual desires
While both men and women with high support for traditional gender roles reported lower sexual desire, the impact on the frequency of sexual activities differed between genders. For men, their own sexual desire had a stronger association with the frequency of sexual activities, whereas for women, the perceived sexual desire of their partner played a more significant role. This finding underscores the pressure women might feel to accommodate their partners’ desires, potentially at the expense of their own.
“The study suggests that gender roles and beliefs about traditional gender norms can significantly influence individuals’ sexual desire and the frequency of sexual activity in committed relationships,” Gewirtz-Meydan told PsyPost. “Men with low support for traditional gender roles may prioritize mutual satisfaction, while women with high support for traditional roles may perceive sex more as a duty than an expression of personal desire. The findings highlight the need to challenge societal norms for more equitable sexual dynamics in relationships.”
But the study, like all research, includes limitations. The study’s reliance on self-reported data and its cross-sectional nature limits our ability to draw causal conclusions. Future research could employ longitudinal designs to trace how changes in gender attitudes and roles impact sexual dynamics over time. Additionally, capturing both partners’ perspectives could offer a fuller understanding of how sexual desire and activity are negotiated within relationships.
“In the ongoing trajectory of this research, I think we need to delve deeper into the qualitative aspect by conducting in-depth interviews to better understand how individuals interpret and navigate their roles in initiating sexual relations, particularly within the context of cultural and religious perspectives,” Gewirtz-Meydan said. “Furthermore, I think we need to extend our investigations to explore the long-term impact of specific cultural and religious teachings, particularly concerning obligatory sex trauma, on sexual behaviors and attitudes within relationships.”
“The clinical implications of our study underscore the critical need to integrate considerations of traditional gender roles into therapeutic interventions addressing sexual concerns,” Gewirtz-Meydan added. “As a sex therapist, I think therapists should encourage and actively promote shared decision-making in sexual activities. This recommendation extends to committed romantic long-term relationships, emphasizing the significance of mutual consent and equal participation. Such an approach empowers individuals to navigate their sexual experiences in alignment with their personal desires and preferences.”
The study, “Rights or Obligations: The Extent to Which Sexual Desire and Gender Roles Determine Sexual Intimacy in Romantic Relationships,” was authored by Ateret Gewirtz-Meydan, Wafaa Sowan, Roi Estlein, and Zeev Winstok.
