Chapter 2: Understanding Human Sexuality

Question 1

Parental investment

Answer 1

According to evolutionary theories: behaviours or other investments in the offspring by the parents that increase the offspring’s chance of survival

Question 2

2 processes of sexual selection

Answer 2

1. Competition among members of one gender (usually males) for mating access to members of the other gender.
2. Preferential choice by one gender for certain members of the other gender.

Question 3

Criticism of sociobiological theory

Answer 3

1. Implies biological determinism
2. Rests on an outdated version of evolutionary theory.
3. Says sex is only used for reproduction which isn’t true anymore.

Question 4

Gender-Neutral Evolutionary Theory

Answer 4

States that environments vary greatly and thus human behaviours vary as well across these environments. Fixed behaviours determined by evolutionary theory are not adaptive.

Question 5

Social exchange theory

Answer 5

Based on the principle of reinforcement, people will always choose actions that maximize rewards and minimize costs.

Question 6

Cognitive theories on sexuality

Answer 6

Perception, labeling and evaluating of events are crucial.

Question 7

Gender schema theory (Sandra Bem)

Answer 7

We all possess a gender schema, which is a general knowledge framework of our gender. We predispose to process information on the basis of gender.

Question 8

4 essential assertions of feminist theory

Answer 8

• Gender as status and inequality: Men have more power
• Sexuality: issues such as rape, abortion, birth control, sexual harassment.
• Gender roles and socialization: society has well defined gender roles. This is problematic because gender roles tell people what they can and can’t do.
• Intersectionality: we should consider a persons multiple group memberships and identities.

Question 9

Heteronormativity

Answer 9

The belief that heterosexuality is the only pattern that is normal and natural.

Question 10

Critical race theory

Answer 10

A theoretical framework that can be used to examine the ways in which race and racism affects social structures and institutions.

Question 11

Symbolic interaction theory

Answer 11

Human behaviour and the social order are products of symbolic communication. A person’s behaviour is constructed through their interaction with others.
This theory perceives people as proactive and goal-seeking

Question 12

Sexual scripts

Answer 12

The idea that sexual behaviour is scripted. We behave according to etiquette.