Sex Redefined: Exploring the Effects of Masturbatory Messaging toward Black Girls and Women on Sexual Development and Practice

Abstract

Masturbation is one of the many taboo topics of sexuality (Kaestle & Allen, 2011; Kaminsky-Bayer, 2020). It is even more taboo for women, as masturbation research has predominantly focused on men (Kaminsky-Brayer, 2020). In this paper, masturbation is defined as a solo activity of genital self-stimulation for sexual pleasure (Coleman, 2003; Kaestle & Allen, 2011; Meiller & Hargons, 2019), and it has been found to have both physical and psychological benefits. Research has shown that women who masturbate have higher self-esteem (Hurlbert & Whittaker, 1991; Kaminsky-Bayer, 2020; Shulman & Horne, 2003; Smith et al., 1996), higher emotional intelligence (Burri et al., 2009; Kaminsky-Bayer, 2020), more favorable body image (Shulman & Horne, 2003), better genital self-image (Herbenick et al., 2011), and more sexual pleasure overall (Coleman, 2002; Herbenick et al., 2009; Sherrow, 2015; Shulman & Horne, 2003) compared to those who do not masturbate. However, female participants in masturbation research are predominantly White (Frank, 2010). Though most existing work does not predominantly focus on women or Black individuals, there is an emerging area of sex research that is exploring the experiences of marginalized populations. Black women have a unique experience as it pertains to masturbation that is shaped by their racial and gender identities. This paper is intended to examine how Black girls' and women's masturbatory ideas and behaviors are shaped by various independent and interlocking societal systems through an ecological lens. We will explore this using an ecological theory along with intersectional and sex–positive frameworks.