Bio 27

Human Sexuality
 Chapter 1

Perspectives on
Sexuality
 Why study human sexuality?

Some possibilities
Learn about our bodies--reproductive & sexual
anatomy & physiology
Improve interpersonal communication
Become better educated about contraception,
STDs, pregnancy, birth, sexual functioning
Remember, the final expert on your sexuality is
YOU!
 What is Sexual Intelligence?

Four components of sexual intelligence

Self-understanding

Interpersonal sexual skills

Scientific knowledge [1.Understanding 2.

Predicting and 3. Controlling] No truths!!!
Critical considerations of the cultural, political
and legal contexts of sexual issues. [Role
models]
Controversy and Diversity within the USA
- Students represent diversity of ages, ethnic and
religious backgrounds, life experiences, liberal and
conservative attitudes.
- Sexual experiences vary, but, there are no universal
sexual attitudes and experiences.
- US made of many ethnic and religious groups, thus, a
wide range of sexual values and behaviors.
- Note these differences are generalities not universal
truth!!!

Acculturation - replacing traditional beliefs and behavior

patterns with those of the dominant subculture.
 Biopsychosocial orientation

Human sexuality is governed mostly by:

1) Psychological factors.
- emotions, attitudes, motivations
2) Social conditioning.
- the process by which we learn societys expectations
and norms
3) Biological factors
- hormones, experiences (that which we have learnt)

What we regard as natural is all relative!

How Important is Sex in Your Life?
Global Perspectives
 Cross-Cultural Perspectives:
Islamic Middle East

Based on beliefs of Muhammad

Sex enjoyed by both sexes
Women inherently more sexual than men; this
power contained by veils, segregation, female
circumcision
Oppression of women and many sexually
related restrictions stem from patriarchal cultural
traditions and fundamentalist sects, not from
religion and the teaching of the Quran.
 Cross-Cultural Perspectives: China

Ancient history promoted sexual activity

(Taoism) but with Confucianism came stricter
sexual attitudes.
Sexual conservatism with communist rule (1949)
Lack of basic information about sexuality
Sex outside of marriage and frequent sex
within marriage discouraged
Almost no STDS
Current trends: increasing rates of pre-marital
sex; increasing STDs; slightly more open to
homosexuality; still lack of sexual knowledge
and safe-sex skills.
 Our cultural legacy
Western culture:
Highly influenced by Judeo-Christian tradition
Affects you whether you belong to those
religions or not.
Lets examine 2 these of our cultural legacy
more closely:

1) SEX FOR PROCREATION

2) RIGID GENDER ROLE LEGACY

 Discussion question:
(1-A)

If you heard someone say I had sex last

night, what specific behaviors would you
think happened?

In other words, what does it mean to

have sex specifically?
 Sex for procreation
Reproduction is the only legitimate and moral reason for
sex.
Sex becomes synonymous with penile-vaginal intercourse.
If you heard someone say I had sex last night, what specific
behaviors would you think happened?
What are the consequences of this thinking?

Penile-vaginal intercourse is primary source of satisfaction

Sexual response and organism are supposed to occur during penetration
Places tremendous and unrealistic expectations on coitus itself
Devalues nonintercourse sexual intimacy (eg. What do they do during sex?)
 Rigid Gender Role Legacy
Creates different expectations for males and
females. EX: Is a slut thought of usually as a
male or as a female?
Limits sexual experience for both men and women.-
-HOW?
Males:

Females:

There are biological differences between the sexes-

-but socialization is what shapes the idea of
gender and exaggerates differences between the
sexes
 Sexuality in the Western World:
Judeo-Christian Perspective

Ancient Hebrews
Rigid gender roles but sex as a profound
physical and emotional experience.

Christianity
Spirituality through celibacy; sex as sinful
Contradictory images of women emerged
Virgin Mary: compassionate, pure, &
unattainable
Eve: temptress
 Cross-cultural Perspectives
on Sexuality
Different societies have different rules.
Within societies, there is further variation
within groups.
Major influences on attitudes & behaviors:
Socioeconomic status
Education level Two most significant
Religion influences are:
Ethnicity and/or nationality
Gender

 Sexuality in the Western World:
a historical perspective
Judeo-Christian history:
Many religious sexual prohibitions (not just Judeo-Christian)
had more to do with historical political and economic
factors than direct interpretations of religious texts.
Paul of Tarsus associated spirituality with celibacy; emphasized
overcoming desires of the flesh.
Bishop Augustine: lust was original sin of Adam and Eve;
intercourse w/in marriage for procreation was only acceptable
form of sexuality; female subordination was intrinsic to Gods
creation (therefore, only man-on-top position was natural).
Control of peoples sex lives concentrated power in the
hands of the church.
Economic issues: controlling womens sexuality assured
that inheritance went to biological heirs (increased value of
virginity, sex for any reason other than procreation within marriage is
sinful, etc.)
 Sex-Positive Shift

Protestant Reformation

Enlightenment; scientific rationalism

Temporary increase in respect for women

Value of sex in marriage, functions beyond

procreation
Western World historical legacy, cont.:
Sex is sinful
Sex was only for conceiving children--sexual pleasure was
sinful, could send you to hell
Eve vs. Mary: 2 contradictory roles for women
Eve: evil temptress
Mary: a virgin mother
increasing emphasis on Eves sin fostered antagonism
toward women--climaxed in the witch hunts (1450-1700)
The Madonna/whore dichotomy
The idea that women can either be maternal/nurturing or
sexual, but not both
Western World historical legacy, cont.:
The Victorian era (1800s):
rigid gender roles; women restrained and constrained
Emotional & physical distance btwn. husband and wife
sexual repression in the home while prostitution fluorished
The 20th century:
suffrage movement; women's right to vote; temperance
movement; abolition of slavery
unfortunately sexuality myths still persist and play a role in
contemporary racial tensions.
right to own property & attend university
World War II: roles were expanded & more flexible
postwar return to stricter roles: repressive sexuality,
women that continued to work outside home were
considered neurotic
1960s movement for gender equality
1980s and AIDS
 Changing attitudes continue

Expanding, less restrictive gender roles

1960s: sexual revolution and movement for
gender equality
Increased access to information about sex, birth
control, etc.
Womens sexuality began to be researched and better
understood
Increased openness and some increased
tolerance of homosexuality
p. 17
 The Media and Sexuality

Television; News, advice and education

programs, increased access to sexual
material, cable and music videos
Advertising
Magazines
The Internet
 The Media and Sexuality

Fig1.2 The Evolution of Broken Taboos on TV.

 Discussion question:
(1-B)
What are some advantages &
disadvantages to increased exposure to
sexuality through the media?
 Where the personal is political

We face controversies about social policies, laws and ethics in

almost every area related to human sexuality. For example:

Should public schools provide abstinence-only or comprehensive

sex education?
Should same sex couples be able to legally marry?
Should health insurance be required to cover costs for
contraception?
Should state and federal laws limit access to abortion?
Should teens obtain contraceptive services without parental
consent?
Should a persons HIV status be part of the public record?
Should prostitution be legal?