The Ideology of Virginity

Virginity is most often treated as a commonly agreed-upon given in the literature on sexuality. Here the concept is seen to be a variable one, assigned different meanings in different social contexts. The concept of virginity is also placed in a larger, macrosocial framework incorporating elements of a broad sexual ideology. Data supporting these positions are presented as well as evidence pertaining to the lack of differential adherence to relevant sexual norms by males and females. Tentative conclusions are drawn that norms relating to virginity tend to be supported by both males and females, but for different reasons, and that these norms are supported and rejected about equally in society as a whole. It is further suggested that this lack of unanimity is due to long-term changes in the economic role of women in modern industrial society.