A third underlying assumption of empirical investigations of adolescent sexuality is that the construct of sexuality is completely a property of the individual. Empirical investigations have not examined the adolescent couple as a unit of analysis. This is surprising in light of the fact that the girls’ sexual behaviors, which are of such great concern to both researchers and policymakers, are occurring primarily in the context of dyadic relationships with boys. Yet researchers focus their attention exclusively on the personal characteristics (e. g., pubertal developmental status, values, selfesteem, sexual attitudes) or environments of adolescent girls (e. g., girls’ parental marital status, socioeconomic status (SES), family size, sexual behaviors of friends) that are associated with their decisions regarding sexual intercourse and contraception. Sexual behaviors are typically occurring in romantic relationships for adolescent girls, who, in general, tend to require emotional involvement and commitment prior to having sexual intercourse (Carroll, Volk, & Hyde, 1985; Christopher & Cate, 1985; Coles & Stokes, 1985). Thus, this context serves as the initial context in which girls make meaning of the sexual behaviors in which they are engaging. The communication (verbal and nonverbal) between the couple or the relationship between the couple are not explored by researchers in attempts to understand adolescent sexuality. This may relate to the individualistic orientation of Western culture in general, or, as we discussed earlier, in our designation of females as gatekeepers of sexual behavior.
In summary, these three assumptions: (a) that adolescent girls’ sexuality is problematic; (b) that sexuality is synonymous with sexual intercourse; and (c) that sexuality is the property of the individual independent of the relationship in which it is expressed, have provided the basis of the existing framework for the study of adolescent girls’ sexuality. These assumptions have, for the most part, determined the questions that researchers have asked. These questions have focused on establishing which girls are at risk, and how sexual exploration can be prevented or controlled so that the unwanted outcomes, such as pregnancy and childbearing, can be avoided. This pathology oriented perspective prevents an understanding of adolescent girls’ developing sexuality as normal and healthy. The perspective presented in this chapter is based on developmental theory and views sexuality as an integral part of identity in girls and women. Signs of a shift toward a more normative perspective have begun to appear.