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Gender and Sexual Orientation
11 Gender and Sexual Orientation
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Gender and Sexual Orientation
Definitions Sex – biological category based on genitals Gender – psychological experience based on one’s sex Gender identity – subjective view of being male or female Gender role – masculine or feminine behaviors defined by one’s culture Sexuality – behaviors to obtain sexual pleasure Sexual orientation – sexual partner preference
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Gender Identity and Gender Roles
Gender and Sexual Orientation Gender Identity and Gender Roles Gender identity Develops in infancy; learned from expectations Gender roles Expectations of culture; feminine and masculine behaviors and characteristics Androgynous – a person possessing both traditional feminine and masculine traits Those with positive traits – well adapted
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Gender: Similarities and Differences
Gender and Sexual Orientation Gender: Similarities and Differences Different does not mean inferior Average differences: Only women give birth Women perform better: Language skills Verbal memory Perceptual speed Fine motor skills Reading skills Spatial memory Men are stronger Men perform better: Mathematics Science Social studies Computer science Electronics Automotive
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Gender: Similarities and Differences
Gender and Sexual Orientation Gender: Similarities and Differences Differences between male and female much smaller than differences within each gender group Women receive higher school grades in math courses at all grade levels – suggesting women are better prepared for careers in scientific and technological fields
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Gender Differences Emotional and social behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Gender Differences Emotional and social behavior Differences tend to be larger than differences in cognitive performance Women are more likely than men to be Nurturing Friendly, helpful Open, trusting Cooperative Able to hide emotions Anxious and depressed Have low self-esteem
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Gender Differences Emotional and social behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Gender Differences Emotional and social behavior Men are more likely than women to Be competitive Be dominant Be assertive Engage in risky behaviors Use physical aggression Commit more types of crimes
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Gender differences in Mating and Sexual Behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Gender differences in Mating and Sexual Behavior Men Think about, want sex more often than women Prefer a younger mate, physically attractive, with good housekeeping skills On average, sexually jealous and controlling; threatened more by sexual infidelity Comfortable with oneself having casual sex
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Gender differences in Mating and Sexual Behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Gender differences in Mating and Sexual Behavior Women Prefer an older mate Prefer mate with high earning potential Prefer partner of good character Be threatened by emotional infidelity Restrict sex to potential long-term partners How do women find men of good character?
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Origins of Gender Differences
Gender and Sexual Orientation Origins of Gender Differences Differences in brain Related to reproduction Male cerebral cortex 10% larger Right hemisphere larger than left in adult men Larger corpus callosum in women; greater integration of hemispheres Subcortical area of brain grows more rapidly and larger in adult men Biological differences exist but behavior differences also learned
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Evolutionary Psychology and Gender Differences
Gender and Sexual Orientation Evolutionary Psychology and Gender Differences Based on Darwin’s ideas – evolutionary pressure to reproduce Evolutionary pressures associated with Hunting Selection of dominance, aggression Created by child care Gender differences in parental investment Mate selection Critiques of theory
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Social Role Theory: Gender Differences
Gender and Sexual Orientation Social Role Theory: Gender Differences Gender differences created by Society’s division of labor Social roles created for men and women Opportunities Challenges Learning experiences Restrictions Critique of social role theory
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Development of Gender Identity and Roles
Gender and Sexual Orientation Development of Gender Identity and Roles By age 2 to 3, child knows self as boy/girl Differences noticed in their play, toy selection At age 7, concrete operational stage reached Children have stable concept of what it means to be boys and girls Recognition of differences based on superficial physical features
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Theories of Gender Identity
Gender and Sexual Orientation Theories of Gender Identity Psychoanalytic theory Same sex identification occurred to win approval of both parents, avoid rejection Cannot explain single-parent family occurrence Social learning theory Learned through observation, imitation, reinforcement and punishment Parent reinforce identity consistent with biological sex classification
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Sexual Orientation Heterosexual preferences
Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexual Orientation Heterosexual preferences Homosexual orientation or preferences Men: gay and Women: lesbian Women – more likely to identify as homosexual and return to heterosexual identity Bisexuality – likes same-sex and opposite sex partners Many myths/stereotypes on homosexuality, bisexuality used to justify discrimination
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Percentage of U.S. persons having a sexual experience with a person of the same sex
2 Since puberty Since 18 Last year Percent Females 4 6 8 10 Males
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Stigmatization, Stress, and Sexual Orientation
Gender and Sexual Orientation Stigmatization, Stress, and Sexual Orientation Strong stigmatization still exists Gays/lesbians still not comfortable being open Gays at greater risk of HIV/AIDS Gay/lesbian teens at greater risk for depression, suicide, and substance abuse
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Origins of Sexual Orientation
Gender and Sexual Orientation Origins of Sexual Orientation Do some learn homosexuality? Sambian people of New Guinea Social learning plays role in combination with biological predisposition to homosexuality Verified by identical twin studies Prenatal –atypical levels of sex hormones Gay males more likely to be later-born males Homosexual brain – real structure difference
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Human Diversity Gay and lesbians in the military
Gender and Sexual Orientation Human Diversity Gay and lesbians in the military Controversy over lifting of ban on service Government policy denied security clearance Herek research – gays/lesbians are security risks and unfit for military service History of discrimination in military African Americans Females in combat
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Biological and Psychological Aspects of Sexuality
Gender and Sexual Orientation Biological and Psychological Aspects of Sexuality Sexuality depicted in art in earliest civilizations Ellis studied social, cultural influences shaping sexual behavior; first to study homosexuality Both sexes have similar sexual desires Anxiety, depression can affect physical sexual functioning Kinsey did large surveys on types of sexuality Masters and Johnson observed sexual responses
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Sexual Anatomy and Functioning
Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexual Anatomy and Functioning Females Uterus Fallopian tubes Cervix Vulva Mons Labia majora Labia minora Clitorus Last 3 play critical role in sexual response Males Testes Epididymis Vas deferens Semen Prostate gland Seminal vesicle Penis Scrotum Testes affected by, respond to temperature
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The Sexual Response Cycle
Gender and Sexual Orientation The Sexual Response Cycle Predictable biological response; many similarities and differences between cycles of men and women Masters and Johnson – four stages Excitement phase Plateau stage Orgasmic phase Resolution phase Refractory period – male is unresponsive
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Sexual Motivation Primary motive – survival of the species
Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexual Motivation Primary motive – survival of the species Similarities to other primary motives Hypothalamic control Role of external stimuli (incentives) Coolidge effect – urge to repeat intercourse Role of learning (pleasure giving learned) Role of emotions (sexual passion, anxieties, and romantic love)
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Differences Between sex and other primary motives
Gender and Sexual Orientation Differences Between sex and other primary motives Survival value (for species, not individual) Increases and decreases in arousal Role of deprivation (arousal almost anytime, do not need it until one has it) Decreases in energy
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Hormones and Sexual Behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Hormones and Sexual Behavior Animals – females in heat, males have rutting seasons for mating Humans - females Greater sexual interest when ovulating During ovualtion: find healthy male’s scent, masculine face, and social dominance more sexually attractive Body chemicals detected in nursing moms increased sexual desire of other women
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Patterns of Sexual Behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Patterns of Sexual Behavior University of Chicago large-scale survey Majority over 18 not promiscuous in a year (few of both sexes had multiple partners) Marrieds: majority had sex with only spouse Average American over lifetime – faithful in relationship called serial monogamy Most adults have sex less than once a week Vaginal intercourse preferred but not only one (oral sex ranks high in preference)
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Number of sex partners for men and women
21+ 2-4 5+ 1 20 5-9 10-20 Number of sex partners (since age 18) Number of sex partners (last 12 months) 40 60 80 Percent Females Males
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Frequency of sex with a partner
4+ times a week Frequency of sex with a partner Few times a year Few times a month 2-3 times a week Not at all 10 20 30 Percent 40 Females Males Frequency of sex with a partner over the last year
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Patterns of Sexual Behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Patterns of Sexual Behavior University of Chicago large-scale survey Very few prefer anal sex Hispanic men and women reported somewhat higher frequencies of sex African American males first sex at age 15½ (other groups: first intercourse at 17 years) Happy sex life is in committed relationships; sex more frequent than for unhappy persons Avoid trap of normal or average rating
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Atypical and Abnormal Sexual Behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Atypical and Abnormal Sexual Behavior Atypical, abnormal pattern – if seen as such by those engaging in the behaviors Transvestism: dress in clothes of opposite sex Transexualism: feeling trapped in wrong body Sex-change operations like Reneé Richards Fetishism: aroused by inanimate objects
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Atypical and Abnormal Sexual Behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Atypical and Abnormal Sexual Behavior Sexual sadism: sexual pleasure when giving pain to others Masochism: receiving pain gives sexual pleasure Voyeurism: sexual pleasure from undecteted watching others undressing, in sexual activities Exhibitionism: sexual pleasure from exposing genitals to others – most are heterosexual males
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Forced Sexual Behavior
Gender and Sexual Orientation Forced Sexual Behavior Deviant sexual behavior Rape – forced sexual act, majority raped are women (1 raped every 6 minutes in U.S.) Most by someone they knew well Similar patterns across age, ethnic groups, places of residence, levels of education, and marital groups Rape trauma syndrome: serious psychological effects; society blames victims, promotes myths
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Myths Facts Going to man’s place on first date implies wanting sex
Gender and Sexual Orientation Myths Going to man’s place on first date implies wanting sex Women report false rapes for attention Healthy woman can resist rapist Women going braless or wearing short skirts are asking for trouble Facts Nothing implied; rapists distort perceptions to fit their beliefs Women rarely report false rape; it’s traumatic Rapes are brutal and violent; resistance may worsen event No victim asks for it; rapists responsible for own action
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Sexual Abuse of Children
Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexual Abuse of Children Many sexually assaulted and exploited Incest: sexual contact between family members Child rape: use or threat of force Child molestation: no use or threat of force, typically most are heterosexual males with young girl victims Pedophilia: sexual pleasure from primarily from contact with children Most rapists, molesters known to child and have violated hundreds before being caught
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Sexual Harassment Definition Men are victims, too (but less common)
Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexual Harassment Definition Unwanted sexual advances Requests for sexual favors Unwanted touching Sexually suggestive words Any form of coercive sexual behavior by others Leering looks causing discomfort Men are victims, too (but less common) Occurs anywhere, based on power differences Psychological effects can cause harm Hill-Thomas case Laws and policies exist to protect
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Sexual Dysfunction Problems that interfere
Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexual Dysfunction Problems that interfere Sexual dysfunctions – disturbances in any phase of sexual response cycle Classified according to phase disrupted Dysfunctions of sexual desire Inhibited: infrequent/no desire Sexual aversion disorder: fearful, avoids
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Sexual Dysfunction Dysfunction of sexual arousal
Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexual Dysfunction Dysfunction of sexual arousal Female sexual arousal disorder: dry vagina, lack of excitement Vaginismus: too narrow for sex comfort Dyspaeunia: pain during intercourse Male sexual arousal disorder Erectile dysfunction: impotence
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Sexual Dysfunction Orgasm dysfunctions
Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexual Dysfunction Orgasm dysfunctions Inhibited female orgasm: sexual stimulation and arousal fail Premature ejaculation Retarded ejaculation: orgasm is rare
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Health Problems Cancers Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Breast
Gender and Sexual Orientation Health Problems Cancers Breast Cervix Uterus Ovaries Prostate Testes Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) Syphilis: caused by bacterium 3 stages of infection Gonorrhea: bacterial infection Chlamydia: organisms invade several types of body cells Pubic lice or crabs
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Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs)
Gender and Sexual Orientation Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) Genital herpes: type 1 and type 2 Genital warts: human papilloma virus Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS) caused by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) HIV transmitted through blood, semen and vaginal fluids, breast milk Current stats show worldwide pandemic – highest rates in Africa, Asia, S. America
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Cases of AIDS and acquisition
Homosexual sex Inject drugs Homosexual sex and inject drugs Blood recipient Heterosexual sex Other 6.6% 59.4% 21.2% 7.6% 1.8% 3.4% Women Men 3.8% 13.4% 44.8% 37.9% Cases of AIDS and acquisition
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AIDS Facts and Prevention
Gender and Sexual Orientation AIDS Facts and Prevention Overall, men more likely to get infected Women infected most by heterosexual sex Other risks with infected person Sharing drug needles Homosexual, oral, anal sex There are ways to lower risks of infection
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HIV/AIDS virus is found in blood, semen, and vaginal fluids
Yellow light activities with some risk Vaginal and anal intercourse with condom Oral sex with condom Oral sex without condom, stopping before orgasm Green light: little or no risk Hugging, holding hands Body rubbing, massage, touching Mutual masturbation, no contact of fluids on cuts Red light activities with very high risk Vaginal and anal intercourse without condom Oral sex to orgasm Sharing sex toys and devices
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Application of Psychology
Gender and Sexual Orientation Application of Psychology Date rape Most victims are female with males offenders Common on college campuses: about 1/3 of all women estimated to have experienced it Many begin with miscommunication: female friendliness mistaken for sexual advances due to differing beliefs and attitudes about sex
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Application of Psychology
Gender and Sexual Orientation Application of Psychology Date rape Perpetrator: usually well-liked, did not stop sexual advances or became angry at rejection Alcohol plays a part: Lowers inhibitions Often increases sexual interest Affects choices made; allows avoiding of personal responsibility
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Guidelines For men For women It is rape when she says no
Gender and Sexual Orientation Guidelines For men It is rape when she says no If it is not clear that she consented, she has not consented If she is drunk or high, she cannot consent For women Communicate your wished clearly and early Alcohol mixed with sex is dangerous Even nice guys can commit rape If at risk of being raped, get help
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Gender and Sexual Orientation
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