Vi Må Lære Hvordan Man Spør!: Ungdoms perspektiver på samtykke, voldtekt og kjønnsroller

The report explores youths perspectives on consent, rape, and gender roles. Through focus groups with teenagers aged 16 to 18, it reveals key findings that illuminate their understanding and attitudes.

Consent is central in their understanding of rape. However, interpretations differ; girls emphasize active consent, while boys often view it as a shared responsibility. This leads to gender differences in understanding, with girls placing the responsibility on the initiator—typically the boy—to respect boundaries, whereas boys see it as mutual.
The report highlights awareness of the freeze reaction, a common response in threatening situations, which boys may misinterpret as passive consent. Alcohol is identified as a major risk, impacting judgment and boundary-setting. There are clear gender differences in perceptions of sexual freedom; girls face stigma for multiple partners, while boys gain prestige.Boys find it challenging to ask for consent directly, fearing it might disrupt the mood, preferring to interpret body language. Social norms make it difficult for girls to express desires clearly, fearing judgment, according to the findings.The influence of pornography and pop culture sets harmful standards affecting perceptions of gender roles and consent. The report underline concludes with the need to strengthen sex education and to reduce the access to online pornography.