United States
Sexual Standards
First Date
Casual
Serious
Pre-engaged
Engaged
First Date
Casual
Serious
Pre-engaged
Engaged
First Date
Casual
Serious
Pre-engaged
Engaged
Japan
Russia
123456
123456
1234 5 6
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
Males Females
FIGURE 9.4 Sexual standards. Among students from the United States, Russia, and Japan, men have
more permissive standards for sexual intercourse than women do when the relationship is more casual.
In serious relationships, men and women view sexual intercourse as equally acceptable. Note: Higher
numbers mean less permissive; *indicates a sex difference.
Source: Adapted from Sprecher and Hatfield (1996).
Romantic Relationships 313
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