Steps in Sexual Script: Discourses of obligation, exchange, force

• Boy interprets girl’s actions as signaling interest in playing sex

• Negotiation initiated by boy

• Boy gives a gift or money to a mediator or directly to a girl.

• A gift delivered = an obligation to repay with sex.

• But, girls must, and do, initially refuse.

• Girls know they can’t refuse for long

• If the girl continues to refuse, the boy will:

  • Try a better gift
  • Find a new girlfriend
  • Force the girl himself or with the assistance of his friends