An Introduction

Gender & Human Sexuality

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Lecture Overview

Sex and Gender

The Study of Human Sexuality
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Problems
Sexually Transmitted Infections

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Sex and Gender

Sex refers to the biological aspects of being male

or female (and the physical acts of
intercourse/masturbation)

Sex differences are physical differences

Gender refers to the psychological and

sociocultural meanings added to biological sex

Gender differences result from peoples thinking

about gender

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Dimensions
of
Sex
Sex Dimensions
Male
1.
2.
3.
4.

Chromosomes
Gonads
Hormones
External genitalia

XY
Testes
Androgens
Penis, scrotum

5. Internal accessory organs

6. Secondary sex
characteristics
7. Sexual orientation

Prostate, seminal
vesicles,
vas deferens
Beard, low voice,
sperm emission
Heterosexual, gay,
bisexual

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Female
XX
Ovaries
Estrogens
Labia, clitoris,
vaginal opening
Vagina, uterus,
fallopian tubes,
cervix
Breasts,
menstruation
Heterosexual,
lesbian, bisexual

Human Reproductive Structures

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Gender Dimensions
Gender Dimensions
8. Gender identity

Male

Female

Perceives self
as male

9. Gender role

Masculine

Gender identity is self-defined

Gender role is socially-defined

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Perceives self
as female
Feminine

Determinants of Gender Identity

Gender identity refers to the personal view of oneself as male

or as female
Environmental factors were assumed to be central
determinants of gender identity

Notion was that social-cultural influences shaped gender identity

The case of the castrated identical twin whose gender identity was
reassigned following a botched circumcision was taken as important
evidence for the role of environmental factors

Problem: he later rejected the reassignment and took on a male gender

identity (now this case supports a biological view of gender identity)

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Gender Role Development

Gender roles are societal expectations for

normal and appropriate female and male
behavior

Social-learning theory argues that gender roles develop as

children:

receive rewards/punishments for gender role behaviors

watch and imitate the behaviors of others

Cognitive-developmental theory argues that children develop
gender schemas

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Gender Differences

Cognitive abilities

Females score higher on verbal skills

Males score higher on math, visual-spatial skills

Aggression

Males exhibit greater physical aggressiveness

Females are higher on relational aggression

E.g. spreading rumors about others, ignoring or

excluding others
Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Androgyny

Androgyny combining characteristics

considered typically male with characteristics
considered typically female
Masculine and androgynous individuals
generally have higher self-esteem and
creativity, are more socially competent and
motivated to achieve, and exhibit better
overall mental health.
Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Scientific Study of Sexuality

Havelock Ellis was among the first physicians to initiate a

scientific study of sexuality
His studies revealed that nocturnal emissions were not
dangerous
Ellis later came to promote the dissemination of accurate
information on human sexuality
Alfred Kinsey used surveys and interviews to study sexual
practices and beliefs
Masters and Johnson brought the study of sexuality into the
laboratory to study the sexual response cycle

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Sexual Response Cycle

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Sexual Activity

Men are thought to have greater sexual drive, interest and

activity than do women. Why?
Evolutionary Perspective: Men developed an interest in sex with
multiple partners in order to maximize the likelihood of passing
on their genes; women seek a good provider
Social Role Approach: Gender differences reflect cultural roles
and division of labor
Women prefer resource-rich men, but only when they lived in
cultures with little reproductive freedom/educational equality

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Sexual Orientation

Homosexuality may reflect the impact of biological

factors on sexual orientation

Biological factors are supported by twin studies that

suggest genetic influence on sexual orientation

Homosexuality does not reflect

Poor parenting: smothering mother, detached father

Arrested development or an immature personality
Childhood seduction by adults
Modeling of gay behaviors and views from others
Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Sexual Function

Sexual behavior in males and females involves

arousal of the peripheral sex organs, the spinal
cord, and the brain.

Factors that modulate activity within any of these regions

can impair sexual function
Sexual arousal involves activity within the
parasympathetic nervous system (allows for blood flow to
the sex organs)
Sexual orgasm involves the activation of the sympathetic
nervous system
Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Sexual Dysfunctions

Male sexual problems

Male and Female

Impotence (inability to maintain an erection)

Premature ejaculation
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Inhibited desire
Sexual aversion

Female

Orgasmic dysfunction
Vaginismus (painful contraction of the vaginal muscles)
Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Sex Therapy: Masters and Johnson

Therapy focuses on the relationship

Therapy integrates physiological and
psychosocial factors
Therapy focuses on cognitive factors
Therapy focuses on specific behavioral
techniques
Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Drug Actions on Sexuality

Alcohol: Reduced testes size and suppressed hormone

function
Cocaine: Erectile disorder, inhibited orgasm, lowered
sperm counts
Barbiturates: Reduced desire, erectile disorder, delayed
orgasm
Marijuana: Reduced testosterone levels, reduced desire
Tobacco: Decreases the frequency and duration of
erections and of vaginal lubrication

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

Sexually Transmitted Diseases

Lecture 1 Gender (LI

AIDS

Although AIDS is transmitted only through

sexual contact or exposure to infected bodily
fluids, many people have irrational fears of
contagion.
One million North Americans are HIV
positive and therefore carriers

Lecture 1 Gender (LI