Power differential

The power differential or power imbalance between adults and minors is one justification often given for prohibitions on sex between them. The difference in physical stature and strength alone does not mean there is a lack of consent; otherwise, a petite 18-year-old woman could not consent to sex with a muscular bodybuilder boyfriend. Rather, the issue is mental capacity to give informed consent and the possible existence of a real or perceived custodian-ward relationship. It is sometimes said that children think they have to, or should, do whatever adults tell them, and that they lack the judgment to know any different. Bad judgment is only deemed to prevent consent when the person is either a minor or extremely mentally impaired, though; otherwise, unprotected sex with promiscuous individuals picked up in bars might be deemed non-consensual.