These thoughts mirror traditional conservative evangelical Christian teachings about sex and the idea that it’s women’s responsibility to avoid leading men into sexual situations. This kind of purity culture has a reach far beyond religion. But rather than curb sexual activity, these programs seem to normalize misogynist impulses. A 2017 study in the Journal of Adolescent Health, for example, found abstinence-only programs often “reinforce gender stereotypes about female passivity and male aggressiveness. Even media headlines suggest that the men and boys who hurt women are passive victims of their desire.

Source: International New York Times March 22, 2021 18:56 UTC