Consent culture is “when we value the feelings of people we are interacting with either casually or professionally. It’s about respecting each other’s personal and emotional boundaries every time. It is myth that consent is only important when it comes to sex. Consent culture goes beyond sex and applies to everyday interactions- from sharing a photo of someone online, to asking before giving a hug (Ikram & Mohd, 2019).” By valuing consent in everyday interactions, for example like asking to borrow a pencil, we promote awareness, respect, and healthy boundaries in all areas of life.
Image via: Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence
Keys to Consent Culture:
- Mutual Respect- Treating others as equals and respecting their feelings
- Autonomy- Every person has the right to make their own decisions
- Enthusiastic Consent- Consent is given enthusiastically and doesn’t sound forced or unhappy
- Open Communication- Open dialogue about wants and needs
- Normalization of Consent- Consent is practiced in all aspects of life
- Accountability- Taking accountability for mistakes and challenging harmful attitudes
Resources:
Breakthrough. (2019, December 12). Consent Culture: What Does It Mean? https://inbreakthrough.org/consent-culture-what-does-it-mean/#:~:text=We%20create%20’consent%20culture’%20when,consent%20in%20a%20patriarchal%20society
Nguyen, P. (2023, December 1). Consent Culture: What Consent Means and How To Set Personal Boundaries. Boston University. https://www.bu.edu/articles/2023/consent-culture-what-consent-means-and-how-to-set-personal-boundaries/#:~:text=Consent%20culture%2C%20where%20people%20in,through%20open%20dialogue%20about%20sex
Written by: Beth Ganion
