“Beyond Words”: Exploring Sexual Objectification in Adolescence Through “Piropos”

What is it about?

Experiences of objectification through “piropos” (sexual comments about physical appearance and sexual body) frequently occur in the interpersonal relationships of the adolescent collective. The objectives of this qualitative study were: to analyse the adolescent group’s perception of piropos; to identify the behaviors of those who issue and receive these piropos; and to know adolescents’ emotions and reactions generated by piropos. Participants were 232 students (121 girls and 111 boys) from Compulsory Secondary Education and High School, aged 15 to 18, from public schools in northwestern Spain, who took part in 20 discussion groups. The results showed that both boys and girls consider piropos as “positive”; very few participants considered piropos as a form of sexual harassment. Boys were the main senders, and girls the receivers. However, some boys acknowledged that they would be willing to apologise or even stop issuing this type of comment if they received a negative response from the recipient. Our results suggest the need to incorporate comprehensive sex education programs into schools to raise awareness among adolescents about the negative consequences of piropos and their identification as a form of sexual harassment and, thus, promote socio-affective relationships based on equality and respect and free of violence.

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Photo by jana bemol on Unsplash

Photo by jana bemol on Unsplash

Why is it important?

This article is of vital importance because it thoroughly analyzes how "piropos" (sexual comments about physical appearance)—often normalized and underestimated as harmless behaviors—actually operate as a form of sexual objectification and harassment in adolescent interpersonal relationships. Through a qualitative methodology utilizing focus groups with students, the research reveals that while a large portion of adolescents of both sexes perceive piropos positively (especially when they come from acquaintances), girls more frequently experience objectifying comments about their bodies that limit their freedom and generate discomfort or rejection. At the same time, the study notes that boys tend to issue these comments driven by gender expectations and group dynamics, although a sector shows a willingness to change if made aware of the negative impact. Ultimately, these findings highlight the urgent need to integrate comprehensive sex education into schools to dismantle traditional stereotypes and promote affectionate relationships based on respect and equality from early ages.

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