Chapter 4: Sexuality

Please Note: These slides are meant to help students think about the material. They are not meant to replace reading the material or taking notes. Using these slides as your only means of garnering information could harm your ability to understand the content of this class. Please turn off cell phones, MP3 players and other technology of which I’m unaware.

What is Sexuality? Sexuality is a complex combination of: Behavior – how we act. Identity – the way we perceive ourselves Preference – social experience that dictates attraction; eye color, race/ethnicity; religion Orientation – biological potential

Sexuality as Socially Constructed 1) Concepts of Heterosexuality and Homosexuality are only 120 years old 2) Applying rules arbitrarily A) Only some of the rules of bible are followed. Which are more important? Ten Commandments or ….Laura Schlessinger. 3) Applying rules differently based on sexuality A) Take Quiz – What does the Quiz show us about our assumptions?

Sexuality as Historically Controlled Heterosexism, Racism and Sexism were encouraged in our ideas of Sexuality Heterosexism – belief that heterosexuality is the only and morally best type of intimate relationship Racism – Pressure to stay within ethnic group Sexism – Women should be passive and men should be active

Sexuality as Historically Controlled 1) Controlling Sexuality through Laws (which attempted to control gender identity as well) Laws existed controlling who could marry  Miscegenation Laws existed until the sixties.  Gays/Lesbians could not marry. Laws controlled divorce Laws controlled what was considered rape Laws benefit those who are married. Laws controlled access to birth control and abortion Laws controlled Childbearing How do these laws shape gender and race identity?

Sexuality as Historically Controlled 1) Controlling Sexuality Normatively Compulsory Heterosexuality – The pressure we place upon people to ensure women and men are attracted to each other. “lady killer” “break a lot of hearts” “who do you have a crush on?” Pressure to marry and bear children. Homophobia – Encouraging hatred towards gays/lesbians.

Sexuality: Organizing It Women – Dichotomy Women’s sexuality is often reduced to madonna/whore. Madonna didn’t change the dichotomy. She just made the whore side more acceptable Male Gaze – Women’s sexuality is often defined by what is men’s fantasy.  What does Porn teach men and women about women’s sexuality?  Victoria’s Secret, Cosmo, etc.

Sexuality: Organizing It Men Always want it. Dangerous Out of Control In a society that values men more than women, this means that women are responsible for men’s “out of control” behavior. Blamed for rape. Can’t walk around at night or blamed for consequences. Have to watch dress, etc.

Sexuality at Work Pressure to be Heterosexual Women feel pressure to use sexuality to move up. Men feel pressure to be “one of the boys” by denigrating women.

Sexuality at Work Pressure to be Closeted Discrimination and its protection by the law 2/5 gay people report harassment at work. 9% fired for sexuality

Gay/Lesbian/Trans Friendly Policies Many Universities protect GLBTs. However, they are still denied economic rights. So, insurance, pensions are kept from couples 60 corporations, 30 Universities and 20 not for profits provide benefit packages to partners.

Resources Gaywork.com Human Rights Campaign Amnesty Internationl