Ch. 5 - Normal and Deviant Sexuality Flashcards
What approach dominates the sociological study of sexuality?
The subjective approach (i.e., perceptions, meanings and control of sexuality).
How must sexuality be viewed in sociological research?
As a social construction.
How was sexuality viewed in 5th century BC Athens?
As intertwined with structures of power.
What normative expectations of sex were there in ancient Athens?
Sex was meant to be a unidirectional relationship between a dominant and a subordinate.
In ancient Athens, what was the nature of the sexual relationships had by aristocratic men?
Sex with wives was done primarily for purpose of procreation, men were allowed to engage in relationships with other women, slaves, foreigners, and aristocratic male youth.
How was homosexual behaviour treated in ancient Athens?
It was not viewed as any different than heterosexuality.
What rules were there surrounding the relationship between men and boys in ancient Athens?
Sex between two levels of power could only happen outside of dusk to dawn (daytime).
What would occur in ancient Athens if a man penetrated another man?
He would either lose or never gain citizenship.
What was characteristic of sexuality in Sambian society?
Homosexuality was ritualized and reinforced the patriarchy.
How was homosexuality ritualized in Sambian society?
Once boy reached 8-10 years of age, they were removed from the village and sent to an isolated village where they would mature for 10-15 years away from women.
What occurred in the Sambian villages where men grew up? What was the reasoning?
Young men would perform fellatio on older men because semen was seen as the source of masculinity.
What were Aboriginal sex cultures characterized by?
A considerable variety prior to colonization. Some saw same sex unions as appropriate, some saw extramarital affairs as appropriate, others did not, etc.
What was a common theme among Aboriginal sex cultures?
Sexuality was a gift from the Creator and that it was linked with all dimensions of life.
What are les femmes du pays?
Aboriginal women used as country wives for European men. These unions were practical and often necessary, so no one was upset about the relationships.
What was 17th century sexuality based on?
Reproduction within marriage, the need for Aboriginal women as country wives, and the sexual control of slaves.
How was social control exerted in the 17th century?
Involved the church, court, family, and community.
What did social control vary on the basis of in the 17th century?
Socioeconomic status, race, and gender.
What was sexuality based on in the 18th and 19th century?
Intimacy within marriage, the impact of urbanization, religious shifts, and the pursuit of happiness.
What effect did industrialization have on people’s sexuality?
It made things more anonymous, everyone became more liberated.
What shift in marital relations occurred in the 18th and 19th century?
It shifted from an economic choice to a symbol of love.
By the 20th century, what had the dominant meaning of sexuality become?
There was a focus on personal fulfillment, independent of marriage.
In contemporary Canadian society, what is sexuality characterized by?
Greater, though not unlimited, sexual freedom.
What criteria do we use to evaluate “deviant” and “normal” sexuality?
Nature of partner, nature of sexual act, location, and frequency.
What determines the permissiveness of nature of the sexual partner?
Matters of law, formal regulations, informal regulations, and the evolving view of same sex relationships.
What does sex work include?
Exotic dancing, pornography, prostitution, and any other type of work that deals with impersonal sexual activity.
What is the main issue of exotic dancing?
Exploitation vs. choice.
Why do many women start dancing?
To support themselves financially.
