Work

A Matter of Miscommunication: Young People’s Understandings of Rape, Sex and What Lies In-between

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Research shows a high prevalence of sexual violations among young people despite widespread agreement on the importance of consent. To understand their perspectives, we conducted focus-group interviews with 63 young Norwegians (aged 16–20) discussing a film about a problematic sexual encounter. Despite the participants’ diverse backgrounds (in terms of gender, ethnicity, geographical location and social class), they mostly described the problem that causes the sexual violation to be miscommunication. Through an analysis of this miscommunication problematization, we show how four heterosexual norms shape their understanding of responsibility for the violation. Two of these norms are well documented: sexual egalitarianism and patriarchy. Additionally, we found norms of sexual market and seductive masculinity. Based on our findings and former research, we suggest that to prevent sexual violations, one needs not only to focus on actions like asking for consent, but also to emphasize gender norms and an ethics of care.

Source: Young

DOI: 10.1177/11033088251323427

Authors: Hannah Helseth, Carolina Överlien

Institutions: Norwegian Centre for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Uppsala University

Language: English

Topic: Sexual Assault and Victimization Studies

Subfield: Gender Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDGs: Gender equality, Peace, justice, and strong institutions

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $500