political, social, and/or cultural factors that have served to construct/define that concept
As far as the USA is concerned:
Political Factor makes me ask myself "when has flirting been taken too far?" You can look at laws regarding sexual harassment. It may be seen as innocent to the receiver at first, but it could be a predecessor or "grooming" to sexual harassment later or even sexual offenses such as rape, molestation, etc. The antagonist can be a male or a female in this case, and there is probably statistical data on the internet.
Social Factor. I feel that "anything goes" in the present time. There is not much I have not heard of or been exposed to that makes my draw drop. I don't think one gender flirts more than another. Every individual does it their own way, it's a matter of how it is perceived. I think men and women can be equally shy and equally aggressive.
Cultural Factor: This one is tough, b/c USAmerican culture is not homogenous. We certainly have things/issues that define our culture, but flirting would not be one of them. Since there are many cultures living within the USA, each might have their own social mores. When I think of culture being introduced, I think of a family's acceptance or perception between two individuals. What has my culture or family done to shape my perception of flirting and who I can flirt with? I don't think it matters the content of "flirting" itself, but more of WHO you are flirting with (standards of education, affluence, religious practice, ethic, honesty and character, etc are all important pieces of the puzzle.)
At any rate, idk if I was on topic or WAY OFF ... but these would be things I would research if I were to be writing a paper on the same topic. (Fortunately I was great at writing APA papers.)
