Human sexuality: how do men and women differ?

Author: Peplau L.A.

Source: Current Directions in Psychological Science, Volume 12, Number 2, April 2003 , pp. 37-40(4)

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Abstract:

A large body of scientific research documents four important gender differences in sexuality. First, on a wide variety of measures, men show greater sexual desire than do women. Second, compared with men, women place greater emphasis on committed relationships as a context for sexuality. Third, aggression is more strongly linked to sexuality for men than for women. Fourth, women's sexuality tends to be more malleable and capable of change over time. These male-female differences are pervasive, affecting thoughts and feelings as well as behavior, and they characterize not only heterosexuals but lesbians and gay men as well. Implications of these patterns are considered.

Keywords: human sexuality; sexual desire; sexual orientation; sexual plasticity

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/1467-8721.01221

Publication date: 2003-04-01