44902-12-01 Virginity: An Issue That Affects People of All Ages, for Different ReasonsOne of the most important steps that a person takes in their life can leave both negative and positive memories, pain and pleasure, and pride and shame. The subject of one’s virginity is something that can be influenced by many paradigms of life. One researcher suggests, “Symbolic interaction theory suggests that anticipatory socialization is important in the transition from one developmental stage to another” ( Herold and Goodwin 109) . By this he meant that in sexual instances, when people socialize about the pleasantness of sex, this might motivate an individual to seek those pleasures therefore, making that person anticipate those outcomes. Keeping one’s virginity may also be influenced by religion, peer pressure, peer surroundings, and sense of pride. Contrary to the belief that only adolescent girls are conflicted with their choice of chastity, more and more adult men and women are as well. A lot of people are putting off sex, and not because they can’t get a date. They’ve decided to wait, and they’re proud of their chastity, not embarrassed by it. Suddenly, virgin geek is giving way to virgin chic (Newsweek, October 17, 1994, p.59) Researchers have accumulated an extensive collection of articles based on the sexuality of adolescents, but yet have failed to really do extensive research on the reasons for these sexual choices of young adults. Because of this reason, I believe that the study the causes for virginity between people of all ages would not only be interesting, but substantial as well.In reviewing many articles about virgins of all different contexts, there were consistent findings showing that gender differences were an important factor in keeping one’s virginity. Women are more likely than men to feel less pressured into giving up their virginity. A...
