Pathways of Self-Determination: A Constructivist Grounded Theory Study of Slut-shaming Vulnerability in a Group of Young Adults

Abstract

Slut-shaming is a sexual stigmatization that consists in a form of discrimination against those who do not respect gender stereotypes of external appearance and/ or sexual behaviors and attitudes. Individuals may also be exposed to slut-shaming merely due to fortuitous elements unrelated to the sexual dimension. Slut-sham ing is perpetrated through ostracism, rejection and sexual stigmatization and may have negative efects on psychophysical well-being. The primary aim of the pre sent study is to explore the victimization of young adults through slut-shaming. A sample of thirty-six participants (aged 19–28) was recruited and focus groups and interviews were conducted to explore participants’ slut-shaming experiences. Con structivist grounded theory was employed to understand how young adults deal with slut-shaming and analyze sociocultural factors involved in slut-shaming dynamics. Several individual, social and cultural factors are involved in sexual stigmatization processes. A core set of 6 categories related to slut-shaming exposure was identifed: exposure to slut-shaming, antecedents of slut-shaming, socio-cultural context facili tating slut-shaming, LGBTQIA+and slut-shaming, negative efects of slut-sham ing, and reactions to slut-shaming. Results emphasized that, even if young adults showed a generally high level of awareness of sexual discrimination and stigmati zation processes, slut-shaming victimization is not uniformly experienced by them. Young adults’ narratives seem to show conficting feelings and thoughts regarding the possible strategies that could be employed to deal with slut-shaming exposure and pervasive internal and external forms of oppression.