Sexuality Chapter 8

How does sociology approach the study of sexuality?

Sexuality is Complex It is made up of Sexual identity, sexual orientation, and sexual scripts.

Sexual Scripts Many of us think that our sexual behavior is spontaneous, when in general, we have internalized sexual scripts/social scripts

Sexual Orientation Homosexual—attracted to others of the same sex. Heterosexual—attracted to others of the opposite sex. Bisexual—attracted to sexual partners of both sexes. Asexual—lack of physical attraction to either sex.

Choices that Reflect Sexual Values How much sex and how soon in the relationship? Require a condom for vaginal or anal intercourse? Require a condom and/or dental dam for oral sex? Require testing for sexually transmitted infection (STI) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) before becoming sexually active? Tell partner number of previous sexual partners? Tell partner of sexual fantasies and desires?

Sexual Values Absolutism – A religious absolutist makes sexual choices based on moral considerations. Relativism – Emphasizes that sexual decisions should be made in the context of a situation. Hedonism – “If it feels good, do it.”

Sexual values by sex of Respondent RespondentsAbsolutismRelativismHedonism Male students11.6%51.8%36.7% Female Students15.1%72.4%12.5%

Why People Have Sex

Asceticism A subcategory of absolutism. – The ascetic believes that giving in to lust is unnecessary and attempts to rise above the pursuit of sensual pleasure into a life of self- discipline and self-denial. – Catholic priests, monks, nuns, and some other celibates have adopted the sexual value of asceticism.

Functions of Sexual Values Solidifying Self-Identity Scripting of Sexual Behavior Selecting Dating/Marriage Partners Reducing STD/HIV Risk

Sex in American History 1940’s-Social Norms emphasized that love, sex, and marriage were deeply intertwined 1960’s-Sexual Revolution led to greater openness about sexuality – Recreational sex vs. reproductive sex By the mid 1970’s, the fear of pregnancy, the concepts of sin and guilt, and the value of virginity had changed – Video- The History of Sex

The 1980s and 1990s: Challenges to Heterosexism Americans are more likely to approve of civil rights protections for gays and lesbians. Publics attitude toward homosexuality has become more favorable.

21st Century: Risk, Caution and Intimacy More health risks in sexual encounters. Relationships between the sexes are more egalitarian.

How Much do People know about Sex? Some of our young people know about sex and are sexually active, but some are not. Some do not know how to prevent sexually- transmitted diseases. – On a national survey of 13-year-olds, it was found that fewer than 1/3 were able to identify the most effective pregnancy method, and fewer than 2/3 knew the number-one method of preventing STDs (condoms).

Does our society deny sexuality and at the same time encourage it? What results?

Sources of Sexual Values School Family Religion Peers – How do media sources portray male and female sexuality? (Music videos)

Friends with benefits? The Sexual Double standard? – What is it? Does it still exist?

Gender Differences in Sexuality Gender differences in Sexual Beliefs Gender differences in sexual behavior – Social Scripts

Sexuality in Relationships: the Never- Married The never-married and not living together report more sexual partners than those who are married or living together. – Compared with marrieds and cohabitants, the unmarried, reported the lowest level of sexual satisfaction.

Sexuality in Relationships: Marriage Marital sex is distinctive for its: – social legitimacy – declining frequency – satisfaction (physical and emotional)

Sex Education Abstinence only programs – Virginity pledges-does it delay initiation of sexual activity? Abstinence plus, AKA Comprehensive sexual education – Most parents prefer comprehensive, which includes discussing contraception and AIDS/STD prevention – Does this type encourage sexual activity?

Sexual Infidelity Sexual infidelity doesn't necessarily involve sexual intercourse. – Emotional infidelity Online infidelity is increasing. – Is cybersex cheating?

Infidelity Difficult to accurately measure – Recent highly-respected national surveys show that in any given year, about 4% of married people have sex outside their marriage. – Over a lifetime, about 16% say they have had an extramarital affair. The numbers are higher for men than for women.

Why are spouses unfaithful? Macro Reasons 1. Economic problems 2. The purpose of marriage has changed for many people 3. The anonymity of urban life 4. People live longer today 5.More women in the workplace 6.Gender roles are different 7.New technology has increased chances for cyber flirting Micro Reasons 1.The need for emotional or sexual satisfaction 2.Because it is exciting 3.It is an ego enhancer 4.It reflects social exchange 5.Both sexes are unfaithful because they think they can get away with it 6.Revenge or retaliation 7.May provide a way out of marriage