Emily Colyer explores how the systems surrounding hook-up culture can change how women are presented within society, and why phrases like “hot girl summer” are important steps in reclaiming feminine sexuality.

In the age of apps like Tinder and Hinge, alongside growing confidence amongst women to experiment with their sexuality, casual sex has never been more accessible. It begs the question, however, from a heterosexual viewpoint, is the so-called ‘hook-up culture’ an empowering shift for women, or does it only amplify the patriarchal system that encourages female sexualisation?

Most women are all too familiar with the ease with which sexual encounters can be initiated through dating apps. They give an easy route for women to explore their sexuality and express themselves, and with this ease comes the opportunity for women to level up the playing field regarding sex. When done safely, women can gain greater independence and enjoy sex without the confines of a relationship, while diminishing taboos surrounding female promiscuity, making sex for women what it often is for men: meaningless fun. 

However, if one were to examine the features of casual sex, you could also reveal  itself as more so a risky and sexist culture. Whilst casual sex can be healthy and mutually beneficial, it’s important to point out the potentially risky sides to this culture in order to ensure women’s safety. Hookup and one-night-stand cultures often hold a social element: there can be a pressure, especially in the student world, to conform and be frivolous with sex, perhaps when not comfortable . In UK Universities, the drinking culture creates a very unique environment, in which things like substance abuse and excessive alcohol consumption are commonplace. This in turn breeds so-called ‘lad culture’, often involving extreme behaviour and sexist attitudes. Whilst casual sex itself is not inherently dangerous, the combination of these attitudes with more free sexual attitudes can often unfortunately backfire for women. Infamous competitions within these groups of young men regularly involve sexual encounters with women, with little regard for those who are targeted. With the involvement of alcohol and societal pressures, it can leave women exposed to more unsafe situations.

The threat of ‘lad culture’ seems to go hand in hand with sexual harassment and its prevalence in university spaces. With almost two thirds of UK students reporting an experience of sexual violence, it is fundamental that the risks of casual sex are highlighted to ensure women’s safety (Revolt Sexual Assault, 2019). 

Hook-up culture is undeniably tainted with sexism. Women’s desires are often overlooked in sexual encounters meaning male pleasure is prioritised. The surrounding culture itself encourages the over-sexualisation of women. The power dynamics present between men and women often allow men to be in control of the sexual experience, leaving little room for women to express themselves and to leave the experience feeling satisfied. The sexualisation of women is not down to one distinct cause, but is most definitely amplified by the presentation of women and girls within media, which normalises misogyny within adolescent boys and manifests itself through acts of sexual violence. What’s more, dating apps seem to propagate women’s objectification: when our entire selves are reduced to a few photos, we become depersonalised and lessened to a sum of our physical traits, and we are exposed to sexual advances only by those who deem us attractive enough.

Whilst we may choose to partake in casual sex for our own benefit, these experiences are often filled with disrespect. Men often take control of that casual experience, so what began as something you wanted to do for yourself leaves you feeling used. Many of my female friends have mentioned feeling exploited and chased for sex and, in these circumstances, sex seems to be merely a prize for men, and  women are pieces in a game of little value to them. The power often lies in the male realm, and even social elements reflect better for the man, who is often congratulated for his high ‘body count’ and sexual encounters, whereas women are typically  disparaged. By partaking in casual sex, women may unintentionally embody  features of a patriarchal society which see them as sexual objects.

However, it should be made clear that casual sex is not only a male desire, and women, too, want to have relations without the seriousness or limits of a romantic relationship. Strives in society mean that women are more likely to positively engage in casual acts, and it is a welcome improvement that women feel more confident to express their sexuality in this way. What’s more, discouraging it would only add to the stigma that already exists surrounding women and their sexual exploits. It is important to find a healthy balance between recognising the elements of casual sex which can be damaging to women, while ensuring their safety if they are to involve themselves in it. Women should have the freedom to act as they please and receive no judgement from this, but should simultaneously be aware that  misogyny and unwanted acts have crept into hook-up culture, and can ruin what, in black and white, should be fun and pleasurable.