Final answer:
The sexual double standard typically expects men to engage in promiscuity and women to exhibit chastity, with societal judgment being less harsh for men. Men are allowed more sexual freedom, and women are judged for the same behaviors, reflecting broader gender inequalities.
Step-by-step explanation:
Understanding the Sexual Double Standard
According to the sexual double standard, certain behaviors are socially endorsed for men versus women. The correct answer to the student's question is a) Men: Promiscuity, Women: Chastity. Men are often expected to exhibit promiscuity and have numerous sexual partners without judgment, while women are expected to show chastity and are often judged or looked down upon for having multiple sexual partners. This double standard implies that women should engage in premarital sex only within committed love relationships, whereas men are allowed to have sexual relationships with multiple partners without such expectations.
Historically, social morals for men have been more lenient, allowing for greater sexual freedom. For women, the expectation was to adhere to stricter social standards. Even in contemporary society, findings like those from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that the average thirty-five-year-old man has had about twice as many sexual partners as the average thirty-five-year-old woman, which reflects ongoing gender inequality regarding sexual behaviors.