Gender & Human Sexuality An Introduction Gender & Human Sexuality Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) Lecture Overview Sex and Gender The Study of Human Sexuality Sexual Behavior Sexual Problems Sexually Transmitted Infections Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) 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 people’s thinking about gender Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) Dimensions of Sex Sex Dimensions Male Female 1. Chromosomes 2. Gonads 3. Hormones 4. External genitalia 5. Internal accessory organs 6. Secondary sex characteristics 7. Sexual orientation XY XX Testes Ovaries Androgens Estrogens Penis, scrotum Labia, clitoris, vaginal opening Prostate, seminal Vagina, uterus, vesicles, fallopian tubes, vas deferens cervix Beard, low voice, Breasts, sperm emission menstruation Heterosexual, gay, Heterosexual, bisexual lesbian, bisexual Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)

Human Reproductive Structures Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) Gender Dimensions Gender Dimensions Male Female 8. Gender identity Perceives self Perceives self as male as female 9. Gender role Masculine Feminine Gender identity is self-defined Gender role is socially-defined Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)

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 (LIHernandez)

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 (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) 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 (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) 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 (LIHernandez)

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 (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) Sexual Response Cycle Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) 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 (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) 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 (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) 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 (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) Sexual Dysfunctions Male sexual problems Impotence (inability to maintain an erection) Premature ejaculation Male and Female Dyspareunia (painful intercourse) Inhibited desire Sexual aversion Female Orgasmic dysfunction Vaginismus (painful contraction of the vaginal muscles) Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)

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 (LIHernandez)

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 (LIHernandez)

Sexually Transmitted Diseases Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)

Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez) 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 (LIHernandez)