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-shaming is perpetrated through ostracism, rejection and sexual stigmatization and may have negative effects on psychophysical well-being. The primary aim of the present 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. Constructivist 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 identified: exposure to slut-shaming, antecedents of slut-shaming, socio-cultural context facilitating slut-shaming, LGBTQIA + and slut-shaming, negative effects of slut-shaming, and reactions to slut-shaming. Results emphasized that, even if young adults showed a generally high level of awareness of sexual discrimination and stigmatization processes, slut-shaming victimization is not uniformly experienced by them. Young adults’ narratives seem to show conflicting 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.