Sexual Assault, Socialization, and Hyper-masculinity

Because of the world we live in, young males have the potential to be socialized into a hyper-masculine way of thinking. There tends to be a difference in how men and women are raised which can influence the schemas around sexuality. Men are normally taught from a young age to be tough and to view sex as a conquest. Women, however, are taught to be polite, friendly, and that being promiscuous is bad. Being surrounded by others who are also taught similar lessons can increase the belief of these stereotypes and can lead to hypermasculinity. For example, friends and family, both at school and at home.


Young women are objectified, and are held accountable for being so instead of having those doing it take responsibility. This is a harmful way of thinking that has been absorbed into the culture of hyper-masculinity, and if a conversation isn't had about it, then it won't improve. The issue is, no one wants to have that conversation with their sons about not getting caught up in that way of thinking.


I do think that hyper-masculinity can cause sexual assault, because it is a very harmful way of thinking that not only holds women responsible for being objectified, but also places certain expectations on men that can be harmful to both young males and females. Young men are expected to be sexually active with many women, so they might sexually assault someone in order to have a certain reputation. Hyper-masculinity can cause people to have a callous attitude towards sex, which can also contribute to sexual assault.