Sexting
I couldn’t say no: Gendered socialisation, identities, and nuanced consent in nude sharing.
Open Access: No.
Abstract
Existing research largely confines consent analysis to power differentials; this study uses gendered identities as an outcome of gendered socialisation processes to examine the complexity of consent in nude sharing. Through online focus groups with 29 Australian emerging adults aged 18 to 24, the research identifies gendered patterns of consent-giving shaped through socialisation. Women, often characterised by more permeable ego boundaries, tended to perceive sexting as relationally obligatory and frequently reported experiences of subtle coercion and shame. Men, whose ego boundaries are generally more rigid, tended to frame sexting as entertaining and socially normative and often downplayed potential harms. Based on these findings, this study proposes communication strategies that encourage individuals, parents, and society to engage in mutual change rather than placing the burden solely on individuals.
Relevance
“Participants’ interpretations of consensual and non-consensual nude sharing displayed a clear gendered pattern shaped by their ego boundary orientations. Men and women relied on different relational assumptions and socialised communication styles, which produced two distinct interpretive logics.”
“Men, reflecting more rigid ego boundaries, tended to view nude sharing as a socially normative and humorous interaction among peers, often without attending to the recipient’s perspective. Silence was often interpreted as implicit consent, and any lack of explicit refusal was treated as agreement…Overall, rigid ego boundaries and low sensitivity to relational cues shaped men’s interpretations of sexting as casual and playful, reducing their recognition of ambiguity or harm.”
“Women, whose socialisation often encourages more permeable ego boundaries, described nude sharing in relational terms, emphasising how the intentions and feelings of the other person shaped their decisions. Many associated consensual sexting with trust, emotional closeness, or long-term relationships… At the same time, women frequently reported pressure to reciprocate images, especially in response to unsolicited requests or unexpected nudes…[their] experiences illustrate how permeable ego boundaries heighten internal conflict between preserving a relationship and protecting personal privacy, which can lead to coerced forms of consent.”
“These findings highlight the need for communication strategies that align with the psychological orientations of individuals involved. For those with permeable boundaries, strengthening autonomy and expressive clarity is essential. For those with rigid boundaries, improving attunement to relational nuance is critical. Families likewise require culturally informed guidance to provide responses that foster agency and reduce shame. These insights offer practical pathways for education, prevention and relational support in digital intimacy.”
Citation
https://doi/10.1177/1329878X261421630
