I want you ... For once. Social representations of “casual sex” among young mexicans

Abstract This study explores the semantic field with which young people refer to and define “casual sex” (CS) as a social object, identifying the structure underlying the content of the social representation of men and women. The sampling was intentional, with 88 interviews and “freelisting” with young people. The prototypical analysis show that for those who had the experience, this practice represents freedom of decision about their pleasure, and that friends are considered potential partners. In the case of those who did not have the experience, it represents a careless act, deemed risky and discriminated against. Men associate CS mainly with “fun” and “pleasure”; women associate it mostly to “irresponsibility”. Restrictive social norms that stigmatize sexual practices, do not foster strategies of care and favor violence are discussed.