Sexuality During the Adult Years

Single Living Increasing rates May reflect change in societal attitudes Lifestyles & satisfaction vary widely –Celibacy or long-term monogamy –Serial monogamy –Single persons engage in sexual activity less often & are less satisfied than married persons

Cohabitation Domestic partnership Cohabitation vs. marriage Social impact

Men’s Cohabitation Rates by Educational Level

Marriage: Personal & Social Functions Stable families convey social norms Defines rights of inheritance Regulate sexual behavior Emotional & social support system Associated with better health Takes different forms in different cultures Question of same-sex and interracial marriage

Marriage: Contemporary Cross-Cultural Comparisons Collectivist cultures: –Emphasize group goals over individual –Marriage unites families not two individuals –Arranged marriages common –Emphasize needs of family, community, or religion; de-emphasize love –Polygamy Individualistic cultures: –Emphasize feelings of love –Importance of love is a recent innovation

Changing Expectations and Marital Patterns Discrepancy between American marriage ideal and actual practices –Most politically conservative areas (“bible belt”) have some of the highest rates of divorce and unwed mothers Unrealistic expectations of fulfillment Fewer support networks for marriage Lack of preparation for daily issues People live longer

Predicting Marital Satisfaction: Gottman’s Research Based on heterosexual couples Ratio of positive to negative comments predict satisfaction Five positive to one negative interaction is key

Sexual Behavior Within Marriage Factors that raise sexual satisfaction Factors that lower sexual satisfaction Sexless union can be satisfying –DINS (Dual income, no sex)

Extramarital Relationships Cultural differences –Most cultures have restrictive norms; usually more restrictive for women Consensual –Swinging, open marriage, & polyamory Nonconsensual –Varied & complex reasons –Younger people have more affairs –Role of internet –Impact on marriage varies

Divorce Half of all first marriages end in divorce Reasons for high divorce rate –Increased expectations for marital and sexual fulfillment –No-fault divorce laws –Reduction in social stigma –Women’s economic independence

Most Frequently Cited Reasons for Divorce Communication problems Basic unhappiness Incompatibility Drug abuse and physical abuse

Sexuality and Aging Aging associated with sexlessness Double standard for aging Health is most crucial to sexual well-being

Sexual Activity in Later Years Among sexually active adults over age 60: 61% said their sex life today was either the same or more physically satisfying than in their 40s. Factors that maintain activity –Prior interest in sexual activity –Regularity of sexual activity –Good physical health –SES

Sexuality & Aging: Same-Sex Behavior Same-Sex sexual activity in later years is similar to heterosexual Lesbian advantages –Less likely to be widowed –Higher pool of alternatives –Less aging double standard

Sexuality & Aging: Toward Androgyny in Later Life Hormonal differences decline Fewer gender-based duties More power for women, more emotionality in men

Widowhood Widows to widowers ratio = 4:1 50% of widowers; 25% of widows remarry Older people remain interested in sex even when no partner is available