The romanticization of abstinence: Fan response to sexual restraint in the Twilight series

Abstract

Meyer's Twilight series has been criticized for its regressive gender representations. To understand its continuing appeal, we problematize the messages of abstinence and romance in the series, and contextualize fans' response with a discussion of postfeminist culture.

Keywords

• Feminism
• Gender norms
• Girl culture
• Postfeminism
• Power dynamics
• Sexuality
• Teen fans
• Virginity