Masculinity and Virgin-Shaming Among College Men

Abstract

This project explores “virgin-shaming,” a phenomenon whereby an individual is called out or made fun of for lacking sexual experience among college men. To investigate this phenomenon, interviews were conducted with 10 men enrolled at one university. Analysis revealed three key findings. First, having sex is often held as a marker of status or achievement of hegemonic masculinity. Second, virgin-shaming is found in social spaces more concerned with upholding masculine norms. Third, virgin-shaming can be used both as an invocation to reassert one’s masculinity and, relatedly, a taunt to encourage others to start having sex. Results highlight how virgin-shaming not only creates stratification within some groups of men but also perpetuates male dominance within society more broadly.