What Is Hookup Culture?

Excuse for Behavior
Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol is a key component of hookup culture which was prevalent throughout the literature (Allison & Risman 2013; Armstrong et al., 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Hess et al., 2015; Kelly 20012; Paul McManus & Hayes 2000; Reid et al., 2011; Ronen 2012; Ven & Beck 2009). Majority of the literature stated that the presence of alcohol and being intoxicated is a norm for parties among college students, and goes hand in hand with sexual activities (Kelly 2012; Paul et al., 2000; Reid et al., 2011; Ven & Beck 2009). Additionally, women’s sexual behaviors outside a committed relationship are highly scrutinized due to sexual double standards, therefore being under the influence of alcohol serves as
Majority of the literature suggests that dominant cultural scripts around heterosexuality reinforces gender inequality thereby reproducing sexual double standards within hookup culture Armstrong, Hamilton & England 2010; Reid et al., 2011; Ronen 2010). In addition, sexual double standards involve men who engage in a lot of sexual activities to be normal while women who are highly sexually active are stigmatized (Allison & Risman 2013; Reid et al., 2011; Ronen 2010)). These sexual double standards thereby impact heterosexual college women’s experiences with hooking up. Majority of the literature suggests that women who engage in sexual behaviors are stigmatized and ‘slut-shamed’ by society (Armstrong et al., 2010; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Hess et al., 2015; Kelly 2012; Reid et al., 2011; Ronen 2010). Therefore, these women police their behaviors and refrain from pursuing too much sexual behaviors (Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Hess et al., 2015; Reid et al., 2011; Ronen 2010). In addition, women who are highly sexually active are labeled ‘not relationship material’ by men and thus practice impression management in order to portray themselves as being a ‘lady’ (Allison and Risman 2013; Hamilton & Armstrong 2009; Hess et al., 2015; Reid et al., 2011). Additionally, women adopt intoxication from alcohol as an ‘excuse function’, as they blame uncharacteristic behaviors on being drunk and thereby justifiable ((Allison & Risman 2013; Kelly 2012; Paul et al., 2000; Reid et al., 2011; Ven & Beck 2009). Lastly, women report feeling disrespected and not being sexual desires met in a hookup context as they focus on pleasing men more (Allison & Risman 2013; Armstrong et al., 2012; Armstrong et al., 2012; Hamilton & Armstrong et al., 2009; Hess