Gender Differences in the Romantic Commitment of Swingers: A Quantitative and Qualitative Analysis

This research examined whether gender differences in romantic commitment among a swing population are mediated by sexual permissiveness. This study also served as an update to past literature and further exploration into swing culture by using qualitative data„such as examining reasons for entering and leaving swinging, level of involvement in the lifestyle, and safe sex practices. Researchers have found significant correlations between gender and commitment (Cupach & Meets, 1995; Duffy & Rusbult,1985-1986), gender and sexual permissiveness (Hong,1991; LaBeff & Dodder, 1982; Oliver & Hyde, 1993), and sexual permissiveness and commitment (Oliver & Sedikides, 1992; Yela, 2000). However, the role that sexual permissiveness may play as a mediator between gender and commitment has yet to be examined. One hundred fitly swingers recruited through swing club directors completed a battery of surveys online. Independent samples t-tests were used to analyze the results of the primary quantitative portion of this study. Sexual permissiveness did not mediate the relationship between gender and commitment. Qualitative content coding and chi-square tests of independence were used to assess important information about the current swing population such as level of involvement in the lifestyle and safe sex behaviors. Both relationship status and sexual orientation were significantly related to gender. Content coding of open-ended qualitative questions revealed reasons that swingers initially begin swinging mainly to add value to their sex life and to contribute to their relationship. Content coding regarding the positive and negative influences to the relationship due to participating in swinging revealed that participants found more positive influences to the relationship such as swinging adds to the relationship. Chi-square tests of independence revealed no gender differences in voluntary STI testing or rate of STI infection. In addition, content coding demonstrated that both genders have a high rate of utilizing precautionary measures such as condoms to prevent transmission of STIs/HIV.