This was calculated by comparing the average value of virginity (for other people, people respondents would date, and respondents themselves) and whether or not they were sexually active. The value of virginity between those who had and had not lost their virginity was actually quite close-but 3.18 was the average for sexually active people and 3.47 was the average for non-sexually active people. From this data, we can conclude that sexually active people generally value virginity somewhat less.
- First, "double standard" must be defined. For our purposes, a double standard is when a respondent (1) values their own virginity more or less than they feel others should, (2) values their own virginity more or less than they feel someone they would date should, or (3) does not believe virginity should be valued the same for people of both genders. For simplicity's sake, we did not consider gender separately for these statistics.
- Definition 1: 42% of respondents had a double standard in valuing their own virginity more or less than others'. Of these, 80% valued their own less than others', while 20% valued others' less than their own.
- Definition 2: 42% of respondents had a double standard in valuing their own virginity more or less than someone's they would date. Of these, 70% valued their own less, while 30% valued their own more.
- Definition 3: Only about 17% of respondents had a double standard regarding the value of virginity between genders.
- Definition 2: 42% of respondents had a double standard in valuing their own virginity more or less than someone's they would date. Of these, 70% valued their own less, while 30% valued their own more.
From this data, we can conclude that while a majority of the population does not have a double standard, one is certainly still present in a significant percentage of the population.
- Obviously, we need to add a fourth definition of double standard: Respondents use negative terms to describe sexually active females but positive or neutral terms for males (or vice versa). Due to the nature of our survey, this was broken down into several categories:
- Females vs. Males who have lost their virginity-Respondents were generally more forgiving of this group in both genders. Most used neutral terms like "sexually active female/male" to describe them. The few who had something non-neutral to say about females generally questioned their motives-"[They] have often done so for the wrong reasons," said one female-or were caught up in age- "slutty (at my age)" and "under 14 [is a] slut," specifically. Non-neutral terms for males, however, were somewhat cynical, such as "lucky" and "[They are] considered 'men.'" One clever 18-year-old colloquially responded, "bout it bout it."
- Females vs. Males who have had multiple partners-Respondents' answers here were more varied. About 58% of all the terms were neutral in nature, although females were somewhat more often described neutrally. Of females, 33% of responses were negative with words like "slut," "bitch," "whore," and "terrible" mentioned. A single response (4%) was positive: "on their way," said a 17- year-old male. For males, 33% of responses were also negative with words like "jerk," "liar," and "player" tossed around. One 17-year-old female stated that they often "don't associate sex and love." Three responses (12%) were difficult to define as positive, negative, or neutral: a 14-year-old girl called males "precocious," while a 15-year-old male called them "lucky." One 18-year-old simply said, "Come on, I'm a guy."
Fig. 2: Graph of nature of responses for multiple partners
- Females vs. Males who flaunt their sexuality-Responses here were even more divided. For females, 29% were neutral, 50% were negative, and 21% were positive. Negative descriptions included "undesireable," "slut," "whore," "easy," "tease," "hooch," and "too outgoing." A 17-year-old female observed that they were "possibly misguided," while an apparently fed-up 14-year-old female suggested that they "shut the f--- up." On the positive side, however, respondents called them "nice" and "self-confident."
For males, 33% of responses were neutral, 50% were negative, and 17% were positive. Negative descriptions included "eurotrash," "repugnant," "asshole," "testosterone freak," "male-slut," "goon," and "faggot." A 17-year- old female stated that they followed "cultural stereotypes."Fig. 3: Graph of nature of responses for flaunting sexuality
- Females vs. Males who have had multiple partners-Respondents' answers here were more varied. About 58% of all the terms were neutral in nature, although females were somewhat more often described neutrally. Of females, 33% of responses were negative with words like "slut," "bitch," "whore," and "terrible" mentioned. A single response (4%) was positive: "on their way," said a 17- year-old male. For males, 33% of responses were also negative with words like "jerk," "liar," and "player" tossed around. One 17-year-old female stated that they often "don't associate sex and love." Three responses (12%) were difficult to define as positive, negative, or neutral: a 14-year-old girl called males "precocious," while a 15-year-old male called them "lucky." One 18-year-old simply said, "Come on, I'm a guy."
From this data, we can conclude that when there is a double standard, which this does not strongly support, it is in favor of females.