Description

The Sexual Double Standard Scale (SDSS) is a psychometric instrument designed to assess differences in attitudes, beliefs, and social expectations regarding sexuality between men and women. The scale focuses on the existence of different standards applied to male and female sexual behaviour, particularly in relation to sexual morality, norms, and social evaluation.

The SDSS examines the extent to which individuals accept or reject gender-based differences in expectations concerning sexual attitudes and behaviours.

Objective

The main objective of the SDSS is to identify and analyse the presence and influence of double standards in sexuality, namely differences in social and moral expectations applied to men and women.

The scale aims to explore how these beliefs may influence sexual attitudes, interpersonal relationships, and social behaviour, while contributing to the understanding of gender stereotypes and inequalities related to sexuality.

Structure and Content

The SDSS evaluates three main areas:

Different Attitudinal Standards:
Assesses differences in attitudes and perceptions regarding sexual behaviour between genders.

Social and Cultural Beliefs:
Examines beliefs and social norms that may support or reinforce double standards in sexuality.

Effects on Behaviour:
Evaluates how double standards may influence individuals’ sexual behaviours, perceptions, and interpersonal relationships.

Scoring Method

The SDSS is typically scored using a Likert-type scale or another quantitative response format. Participants rate their agreement with statements related to sexual double standards, usually ranging from:

1 = Completely Disagree

to

5 = Completely Agree.

The total score is calculated by summing or averaging responses across items. Higher scores indicate greater acceptance of sexual double standards, whereas lower scores indicate lower acceptance of such beliefs.

Data Analysis and Use

The data collected through the SDSS can be used to investigate the influence of sexual double standards on sexual behaviour, attitudes, and relationships.

Statistical analysis may include descriptive statistics, reliability analysis, factor analysis, and comparative analyses to examine differences between demographic groups and the relationship between double-standard beliefs and other psychosocial variables.

The scale can be applied in research areas such as gender studies, social psychology, sexuality research, relationship studies, and educational interventions addressing stereotypes and equality.

Validity and Reliability

Psychometric evaluation of the SDSS focuses on assessing the reliability and validity of the measured dimensions, including internal consistency and the ability of the scale to accurately capture attitudes related to sexual double standards.

References

Lammers, J., Stoker, J. I., Jordan, A. H., & Pollmann, M. (2011). Power Increases Infidelity Among Men and Women. Psychological Science, 22(9), 1191–1197.

Pleck, J. H. (1995). Masculinity, Sexual Behavior, and the Role of Social Norms. Journal of Social Issues, 51(4), 69–84.

Budgeon, M. (2001). Gender and the Double Standard: An Overview. Gender Studies Quarterly, 7(2), 25–32.

Eagly, A. H., & Wood, W. (1999). The Origins of Sex Differences in Human Behavior: Evolved Dispositions versus Social Roles. American Psychologist, 54(6), 408–423.