Citation

Muniz CN, Powers RA. J. Sex. Aggress. 2020; 26(2): 232-250.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2020, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13552600.2019.1611960

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The sexual double standard posits that men and women are perceived differently for their sexual experiences, including experiences of sexual violence and misconduct. This study explores these gendered perceptions for situations involving teacher-student sexual contact where the student is a minor. A quasi-experimental vignette design (n = 648 respondents), where the gender of the teacher and student, is used to explore how both same and opposite sex teacher-student gender dyads shape perceptions of the teacher and student, including responsibility, positive outcomes for the student, and punitive attitudes. We found that men are less likely to hold the teacher responsible and more likely to indicate positive student outcomes while women are more punitive toward the teacher. Respondent sexual orientation largely did not influence perceptions. We situate these findings in the literature on child sexual abuse involving authority figures and the implications for theory are discussed.

Language: en

Keywords

child sexual abuse; sexual double standard; statutory rape; student-teacher relationships; Teacher sexual misconduct