Sexual script theory

Sexual script theory is a sociological theory that states that all social behavior, including sexual behavior, is socially scripted, meaning that humans follow approved norms about how individuals in a relationship may embrace one another, embody, and react to each other via the process of socialization.

Sexual script theory was introduced by sociologists John H. Gagnon and William Simon in their 1973 book Sexual Conduct. According to Gagnon and Simon, sexual scripts are guidelines for appropriate sexual behavior and sexual encounters. Sexual behavior and encounters become behavior that is learned as well as instinctive. Each partner in a consensual sexual encounter behaves as if they were an actor following a script, rather than acting on impulse alone. Therefore, people in a relationship may draw upon this idea when thinking about their own sexual experiences or when participating in sexual acts themselves.