SEXUAL SCRIPTS

Examination of the sexual scripts women and men carry with them in various settings is essential for understanding the dynamics at work in social interaction episodes, and, in particular, interactions that constitute sexual harassment. The concept of scripts emphasizes the cognitive, learned, and social features of sexuality. Sexual scripts are blueprints that guide behaviors and cognitions, both our own and those of others (Rose & Frieze, 1989). Laws and Schwartz (1977) proposed that sexual scripts also include “the rules, expectations, and sanctions governing these acts” (p. 2). In other words, scripts incorporate what a culture or subculture deems as correct behavior for each sex and ensure that these gendered expectations are met by reinforcing acceptable behavior and punishing un­acceptable behavior.