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Troubling Anal Sex: Gender, Power, and Sexual Compliance in Heterosexual Experiences of Anal Intercourse

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Abstract

Existing literatures on anal sex mostly focus on links between anal sex and public health, particularly sexual risk-taking. Drawing upon feminist theoretical frameworks, this study linked anal sex activities of heterosexual men and women to broader issues of sexist power imbalances. This study analyzed survey data from 205 undergraduates to assess the relationship between frequency of vaginal and anal intercourse and ten correlates, including identity, sexual aggression, and attitudinal and behavioral practices. Being single and support for women’s abstinence was negatively correlated with vaginal but not anal sex, while anal sex was connected to support of hegemonic masculinity and lifetime experiences with sexual coercion, particularly for women. Implications for gender and power dynamics of heterosexual anal sex were explored.

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Notes

  1. Separate analysis also revealed no gender differences for the demographic factors of race or age of participants.

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  1. Arizona State University, 4701 W. Thunderbird Road, Glendale, AZ, 85306, USA

    Breanne Fahs & Eric Swank

  2. Morehead State University, Morehead, KY, USA

    Lindsay Clevenger

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Fahs, B., Swank, E. & Clevenger, L. Troubling Anal Sex: Gender, Power, and Sexual Compliance in Heterosexual Experiences of Anal Intercourse. Gend. Issues 32, 19–38 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12147-014-9129-7

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