Chapter 1 Perspectives on Sexuality

Sexual Intelligence Four components of sexual intelligence, which help us make responsible decision about our sexual behavior based on our personal values: Self-understanding Interpersonal sexual skills Scientific knowledge Biological sexual orientation, what happens during arousal, how to enhance pleasure Consideration of the cultural context of sexuality Pro-life, pro choice

Studying Sexuality: A Psychosocial Orientation A Psychosocial Orientation takes into account Psychological factors Social conditioning factors (taboos, norms, roles) Biological factors

How Important is Sex in Your Life? Global Perspectives Pfizer Global Study of Sexual Attitudes and Behaviors: The study surveyed more than 26,000 people in 28 countries.

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 Qur’an.

Cross-Cultural Perspectives: China Ancient history promoted sexual activity 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.

Penile-vaginal intercourse Male and Female Gender Roles Our Cultural Legacy Sex for Procreation Penile-vaginal intercourse Male and Female Gender Roles

Sexuality in the Western World: Judeo-Christian Perspective Ancient Hebrews Rigid gender roles but sex as profound experience Christianity Spirituality through celibacy; sex as sinful Contradictory images of women emerged Virgin Mary: compassionate, pure, & unattainable Eve: temptress

Sex-Positive Shift Protestant Reformation Enlightenment; scientific rationalism Temporary increase in respect for women Value of sex in marriage, functions beyond procreation

Sexual Attitudes and the Victorian Era Women’s role constrained; women as asexual Emotional & physical distance between husband and wife Prostitution flourished Continued polarized view of women as Madonna or whore Mosher’s research contradicts prevailing view: finding Victorian women to experience sexual desire, enjoying intercourse, and experiencing orgasm

20th Century Sexuality Social movements: suffrage movement; temperance movement; civil rights movement; lesbian & gay movement World War II: Roles were expanded & more flexible Postwar return to stricter roles 1960s movement for gender equality 1980s and AIDS

The Media and Sexuality Television News, advice, and educational programs Increased access to sexual material Cable and music videos Advertising Magazines The Internet and Wireless Technology

Ads http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yhiaq6Nzbe4 Bud Light Yoga http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgxxAwue7Fs Axe

Sexual Taboos and Television The evolution of broken taboos on TV.