University Women's Beliefs and Attitudes about Sexuality: A Feminist Ethnography

Abstract

This study explores female university students’ beliefs and attitudes about sexuality. A feminist ethnography was utilized in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 11 female university students between the ages of 18-28 at the University of Calgary. Themes were compared across interviews and common themes and sub-themes were identified. The major themes that arose from participant interviews were as follows: defining features of university culture, defining sexuality, gender roles and sexual relationships, consent, and rape myths. Within the literature, themes regarding gender roles, consent, and rape myths are beliefs that can influence sexual assault labelling and reporting behaviours. Primary findings indicated that more research is needed to understand these beliefs and attitudes and how they influence both sexuality and sexual assault reporting behaviours in a university context. Lastly, direct participant recommendations are provided which discuss areas of change regarding sexual violence prevention and consent education.