1. Sexuality and Sociology

2. U.S. Sexual Practice
Young people are likely to become sexually active in their teenage years
By 19: 85% of male 77% of females
Slightly declining among men especially.
Having only one sexual partner in a lifetime is rare.
A significant number of people have extramarital affairs.
25% males 15% of females
A significant number of people are lesbian or gay.
Estimated at 10%
22-35% of men report homosexual encounters 17-25% of women.
For those that are sexually active, sex is relatively frequent.
2/3 of Americans report having sex 2-3 times a week.

3. Functionalism Sexual Norms: Sexual Identity: Changing Sexual Values:
Sexual norms are functional for society because they encourage the formation of stable institutions.
Sexual Identity:
Sexual Identity is learned in the family; deviant identities contribute to social disorder.
Changing Sexual Values:
Regulating sexual values and norms is important for maintaining traditional and social stability- too much change creates disorder.

4. Conflict Theory Sexual Norms: Sexual Identity: Changing Sexual Values:
Sexual norms are frequently contested by those who are subordinated by other groups.
Sexual Identity:
Regulated by individuals and institutions that enforce compulsory heterosexuality.
Changing Sexual Values:
Social change comes through the activism of people who challenge dominant belief systems and practices.

5. Symbolic Interaction Sexual Norms: Sexual Identity:
Emerge through social interaction and the construction of beliefs.
Sexual Identity:
Is socially constructed as people learn the sexual scripts created in society.
Changing Sexual Values:
Change in sexual values systems evolves as people construct new beliefs and practices over time.