sociosexual

Sociosexuality, or sociosexual orientation, refers to individuals’ willingness to engage in sexual activity outside of a committed romantic relationship and to their attitudes toward casual sex. It is commonly described as a trait that places people on a continuum from restricted to unrestricted. Restricted individuals tend to prefer emotionally intimate, long-term relationships with fewer sexual partners, while unrestricted individuals are more open to casual sex, multiple partners, and less emotional involvement.

Conceptualizations of sociosexuality often separate attitudes toward casual sex, past sexual behavior, and sexual desire, which together constitute a person’s overall orientation. In research, the construct is frequently measured with instruments such as the Sociosexual Orientation Inventory (SOI) and its revised forms, which assess views about casual sex, the extent of past casual sexual behavior, and sexual desire.

Sociosexuality is studied in relation to mating strategies, relationship dynamics, and personality. An unrestricted orientation has been linked with greater willingness to pursue short-term mating, higher interest in sexual variety, and distinct patterns of jealousy and commitment. Findings on gender differences and cultural variation have been mixed, with results influenced by context, measurement methods, and cultural norms.

Critiques of the concept focus on measurement validity, cross-cultural applicability, and the stability of sociosexual orientation over time. Researchers emphasize that sociosexuality interacts with situational factors such as relationship status, partner availability, and social norms. The term is widely used across psychology, sexology, and related fields to understand patterns of sexual behavior and mating preferences.