Chapter 1 Flashcards
Why is sexuality a uniquely human trait?
sexual activity, attitudes, feelings, and behaviors. More than just actions.
How do the rates of sexual content compare to risks in television in the 19990s?
70% show sexual content. 14% show risks
Inis Beag
Extremist Sexually Repressive. Pseudonym for a Irish Island in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Believed sex was only for procreation, menopause was a symptom of insanity, menustration was dangeorous, and absolutely no nudity except for babies
Mangaia
Extremist Sexually Permissive. Island off the Pacific studied in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Encouraged masturbation from a young age, circumcision was a rite of passage at 13 to prove manhood, newly anointed “men” were then taught about sex by an experienced older woman. Young men were encouraged to have a lot of sex, and so were young women who were taught that having an orgasm was important.
What are the criteria for unhealthy sexual behaviors?
Does it involve coercion or force?
Does it have potential for serious harm to self or others (this can be hard to determine/ draw the line). Includes lots of sex without protection
Does it cause personal distress? Ex: interfere with daily life.
What personality traits do we share with our closest genetic relative?
Humans are 98% genetically identical to a bonobo
Bonobos are typically kinder and more amable than other primates, use sex to diffuse tensions not as a weapon, and have more gender equality
Bonobos are very similar in the sexual interactions to humans, and in some cases even more progressive.
Homosexuality has never been observed in chimpanzees but has been observed in bonobos at a similar rate to humans (10%).
What transformation occurred with sexuality from Hunter Gatherers to Settled City-States?
When nomads sex was very open. There was strict gender roles. However, when people started too settle down they feared that sexuality would cause jealously and wars. Nudity became restricted, marriage was formalized, and sex became more restricted and less acceptable outside of marriage.
What was ancient Egypts view on sexuality?
Egyptians viewed masturbation, sex, love, incest, homosexuality, and necrophilia as important parts of society. You were discouraged not have sex outside of marriage and non-procreative sex even though virginity was not important. But, sex was important in daily life and afterlife. Adultery was illegal, but common and you could get a divorce! Sex was important in spirituality and myths.
What was Greeks view on sexuality?
Greeks were very open and have major influence on our cultures. In mythology, they reference a variety of sexual acts, misconducts, and believes. Masturbation was great! They formally institutionalized male sexuality. Plato’s platonic love (male on male non-sexual love) was superior to woman’s sexual love. They also engaged in pederasty. Women were very important for their fertility, but did not have the same rights as men. If they had a miscarriage or infertile, it was a reflection on them.
What is pederasty?
A post-pubescent boy who had completed his Orthodox education would accept the guidance of an older man. The men would teach them about intellectual, physical, and sexual development in exchange for anal sex. The man always had to be the penetrator. This institutionalized homosexuality in Greek civilization.
What was Hebrew’s view on sexuality?
The view was very balanced. Sex was only supposed to be in a heterosexual, married relationship. Adultery, homosexuality, and incest were banned. If you engaged in it there was many consequences. But in your marriage sex was very important. It was important for love, pleasure, and procreation.
What was Roman’s view on sexuality?
The Roman’s also had same-sex relations. For marriages, the emphasis was respect, trust, and mutual consideration. Passion was not emphasized. Men were encouraged to get a sex slave for passionate sexual release of either gender.
What was India’s view on sexuality?
Class structure had an influence on sexuality- wealthy typically had more free time to explore sexuality and engaged in Kama Sutra. The Kama Sutra illustrated a variety of sex positions to try. If you were poor you often had clothed, non intimate sex.
What was Islam’s view on sexuality?
Historically, there is a positive view. Multiple wives were allowed. Sex outside of marriage was sinfully and could result in honor killings.
Today contraception is encouraged- sex is for pleasure in marriage, and secondly for reproduction. There is a double standard for woman. They are punished and oppressed via sexuality.
What was Christian’s view on sexuality? How did it change with the Protestants?
The fall of Greek and Roman empires led to a new era of sexuality. The dark Ages were heavily influenced by the Church’s views on sexuality. Sex was forbidden on religious holidays and when women were menstruating, nursing, or pregnant. Sex was only permitted for procreation. The corruptness by church officials led to Protestant Reformation. The Protestant church issued even stricter reforms banning masturbation, homosexuality, and adultery.
Old Testament viewed sex as less of a positive thing in marriage and more of a trap for lust. Sex for pleasure is evil and emphasizes sexual purity and abstinence.
