The Psychology of Gender 4th Edition

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

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123456

1234 5 6

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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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