Scripting Adolescent Romance

Stacey J.T. Hust (Ph.D., University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) is an associate professor in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication at Washington State University. Kathleen Boyce Rodgers (Ph.D., University of Wisconsin–Madison) is an associate professor in the Department of Human Development at Washington State University. Hust and Rodgers were the 2014 recipients of the Mary Ann Yodelis Smith Award for Feminist Research from the Association for Education in Journalism and Mass Communication. They also earned one of two National Council on Family Relations Innovation Grants in 2014.

List of Tables and Figures – Acknowledgments – Introduction and Background – Youths’ Personal Spaces – Gender, Femininity and Masculinity – Virginity: Abstinence and Urgency – Romantic Relationships: Navigation and Expectation – Sexual Activity, the Sexual Double Standard, and the Scorecard Script – Rape Myths, Sexual Coercion, and Dating Violence – Discussion and Implications of Findings – Discussion Questions – Appendix A: Participant Biographies – Appendix B: Mediography – Index.

“This is a wonderful, rich, and thoughtful book that brings a fresh perspective to four decades of research on the effects of media portrayals on emerging sexuality. One unique feature is that the authors centered their analyses on gendered sexual scripts, the different sexual norms and expectations for girls and boys. Their analyses illustrate beautifully how these sexual scripts are present both in the media and in society, and frequently determine and constrain our choices, expectations, and perceptions in romantic and sexual relationships. A second unique feature is that the book tells a nice developmental story, comparing perceptions and experiences of high school students and college students. A chief contribution is the authors’ use of qualitative data, gathered through three methods, which allow us to see in concrete ways how young people perceive and negotiate the media’s sexual content. Particularly poignant were examples of young people’s accepting or rejecting specific media messages based on whether they resonate with their own experiences. As scholars, we often assume this happens; Hust and Rodgers captured these elusive processes. Their astute analyses make this book an easy and captivating read for scholars, students, educators, and parents.”
L. Monique Ward, Professor of Psychology, University of Michigan

“This fascinating and readable book summarizes an innovative qualitative research project that delves deeply into young people’s thinking about love, sex, and relationships. I appreciate the use of three kinds of evidence, including the difficult and illuminating tours of adolescents’ bedrooms. Clearly both traditional and new forms of media are powerful sources of information and models of heterosexual scripts that young people use as they enter early romantic and sexual relationships. The book also includes important ideas about what might be done to help young people navigate the tricky terrains of masculinity and femininity and newer concepts such as ‘Netflix and chill’ and the ‘scorecard script.’ This should be a must-read for parents of adolescents and in classes about media effects, adolescent development, gender roles, and sexual health.”
Jane D. Brown, James L. Knight Professor Emerita, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Media and Journalism

“This carefully researched book offers many new insights into the role of entertainment media in the development of sexual and romantic scripts among youth. It provides a comprehensive overview for scholars and is an accessible read to all.”
Patti M. Valkenburg, University of Amsterdam