A second assumption of empirical discourse on adolescent sexuality is that sexual behavior is synonymous with the act of heterosexual intercourse. The empirical literature casts an ahistorical, static portrait of adolescent sexuality that begins with intercourse and ends in pregnancy (Weddle, McKenry, &. Leigh, 1988). This orientation stems, in part, from viewing adolescent girls’ sexuality in terms of reproductive and health risks and also is consistent with a number of psychological theories. Many theoretical frameworks have viewed sexual intercourse as a crucial developmental step for adolescents. In psychodynamic theory, for instance, first intercourse is assumed to be a pivotal behavior that results in irreversible change in status in relationship to parents (Chodorow, 1978; Freud, 1933, 1953). This view is reminiscent of deeply entrenched Western cultural narratives concerning the significance of virginity, which is loaded with expectations and symbolic meaning (Thompson, 1984).
According to social exchange theory (Homans, 1974; Thibaut & Kelley, 1978), sexual intercourse is considered to be of great significance particularly for women in Western, patriarchial cultures because it involves many costs (e. g., pain, guilt, fear, potential pregnancy) (Strouse & Fabes, 1987). In fact, research does suggest that first intercourse is associated with more negative feelings and is more problematic for women than men (Eastman, 1972; Koch, 1988; Schofield, 1973; Sorensen, 1973; Waterman & Nevid, 1977), although women’s reactions have become less negative than they once were (Christensen & Gregg, 1970; Weis, 1983).
Feminist theory has noted that the focus on intercourse is evidence of the male perspective that continues to dominate research in this area (Koedt, 1994). From this perspective, there is no sexuality prior to first intercourse. Feminists also have pointed out that sexuality research has traditionally assumed that male dominance is normal. One of the only studies of adolescent dating couples found the extent a couple engaged in affectionate sexual behaviors (e. g., holding hands and kissing) was associated with their commitment to their partner and to the relationship while commitment was not related to whether the couple was having sexual intercourse (Rostosky, Welsh, Kawaguchi, & Vickerman, 1999). The emphasis on intercourse, of course, also comes out of the context of a society that is not only male dominated, but also heterosexual dominated. The behavior of intercourse does not have the same salience to a lesbian couple that is does to a heterosexual couple.
Thus, adolescent sexuality takes place in the context of institutionalized heterosexuality, gendered power relations, and male sexual values, such as the primacy of intercourse and its biological imperative. Evidence of this narrow view of sexuality is found in the manner in which terms such as sexual exploration, sexual activity, and sexual behavior are used interchangeably to designate the act of sexual intercourse (DiBlasio & Benda, 1992; Foshee & Bauman, 1992). One consequence of this assumption is the almost complete lack of attention to the myriad of other sexual behaviors and feelings that adolescent girls experience.