Exam 1 Flashcards
Idea/assumption that sex/sexuality is ‘natural’
We are moving to focus on social influences. The social approach requires evidence to back up any standpoint; thus, it makes us more cautious and deliberate in sexual judgement (cannot answer moral question)
Starting point of sexuality studies = sexology (know main characteristics and core beliefs)
1) Humans are born with sexual nature
2) Sexuality at the core of what it means to be human – humans are fundamentally sexual beings
3) Sexuality is a driving force behind human behavior
4) Sexual instinct is heterosexual and reproductive, and has a social purpose
Sociological theories: how each theory approaches sexuality
1) Structural functionalism: Structure of society and how society functions. It is a general theory — division of labor and defined roles help society to function smoothly; macro level. Approach to sexuality — “natural” differences between sexes make heterosexual family ideal for societal function
2) Conflict Theory – conflict is inevitable and drives social change; macro level. Approach to sexuality — challenge norms/status quo. Thought that as long as sexual practices were consensual, they shouldn’t be considered abnormal or illegal
3) Interactionism – micro level; examine symbols and meanings used in interactions with the self and others. Approach to sexuality — focus on how individuals interact sexually, what sex/sexuality means
* Specific interactionist theories:
a) Social constructionism — through interaction, we create meanings, which can be backed by laws/institutions. Approach to sexuality — weak or strong. *Constructionism
* WEAK — we are born with sexual nature
* Social factors determine how we express our natural born sexuality
* STRONG — we are NOT born with sexual nature, only bodies with potential
* Society defines what is/isn’t sexual (and what is/isn’t normal)
* These definitions are based on power
Alternative social approaches to sexuality - Marxist, feminist, postmodern, queer theory
1) Marxist: a particular type of economy shape sexual culture. Consumer capitalism promotes a culture that values sexual pleasure. “Sex sells” idealogy.
2) Feminist: Individuals are defined by both class position and gender status. Not born men or women, but acquire gender identities through social processes of learning and coercion. Sexual desires are deeply imprinted in our gender status.
3) Postmodern: No right way of seeing the world, and no two people share same reality. Constructing sexuality is negotiated by a variety of ways of thinking about a topic, not from government.
4) Queer theory: Sexuality is a binary opposition, meaning that our culture has constructed straight and gay to be opposites. Labels are used for social control. Continuously deconstructing current beliefs about gender/sexual identities
According to Foucault, why did a discourse of sexuality occur and what was its social importance?
1) Sexuality is at the core of disciplinary control, so sexually has become a major part in modern society controlling citizens
2) 17th-18th centuries, there was strong political interest in gaining accurate info about human bodies – interest in sexuality for uses of reproduction, healthiness, and reacting to different external stimuli
Why does cultural representation of sex/sexuality matter?
It provides a space for different marginalized groups of people with the LGBTQ community to share their stories, find friends and allies, and make their voices heard. Also, it breaks does the barriers that being the “perfect white, male, gay” has on society.
What are the features of the “normal gay” citizen, according to Seidman?
1) Gender conventional — present yourself in a traditional gender way
2) Links sex to intimacy and love
3) Defends family and Protestant work values
4) Displays national pride
According to Han, how are gay Asian men seen/represented?
Feminine – weak, delicate, “receiver”, interchangeable, subservient to needs/desires of the masculine white male.
How does Katz’s discussion of history of the terms “heterosexual” contribute to sexualities studies?
1) How has the definition developed?
a) The meaning of homosexuality changed from sodomy, to gender deviance, to abnormal personality, to affirmative social identity
2) Reproductive drive/behavior?
a) Increasing gender equality + homophobia = heterosexuality becomes a desire and identity
b) Social forces (cultural circumstances, changing social institutions) push changes in definition
What is the main way that contemporary sex researchers understand sex? How does this compare to the main way that mainstream US society views sex?
1) Most contemporary sex researchers would consider a particular sexual behavior harmful and undesirable if it: involves coercion, personal distress, or harm to self or others. Their job is to describe sexual behavior. Most sex researchers view sexual behaviors
on a continuum of typical to atypical of a specific group. Atypical = sexual nonconformist.
2) Homosexual and heterosexual identities and behaviors are “constructed in the same cultural arena” and from the same basic cultural materials: proliferating images, sexual shame, gender inequality, and sexual inequality
According to Seidman (in chapter 5), what are the trends found in contemporary LGBT movements?
1) Community building – safe spaces, bars/clubs, etc.
2) Seeking full social equality – marriage/employement protection/TRANS health care/etc.
3) Queer politics – recognizing and celebrating differences within gay movement. Movement that speaks to the class/racial diversity of gay people, and that pursues alliances with other progressive movements (BLM, women’s rights) to change society
What did Steinbugler find in “Visibility as Privilege and Danger: Heterosexual and Interracial Intimacy?”
White heterosexual interraciality is privileged over queer interraciality. Heterosexuality and White supremacy work together to make queer interracially invisible. Interracial couples have to manage their visibility sometimes and pass as friends.
How do people tend to express their heterosexuality, especially when they live in a homophobic society?
Through intimacy (living together/apart, marriage or cohabitation, single-parent/multi-parent families, nuclear or extended kinship units, or relationships based on rigid gender roles)
By distancing themselves from any associations with homosexuality. This frequently leads to homophonic conduct.
By more explicitly stating it, to shut down “in the closet” assumption and reinforce traditional values
What have feminists such as Rich and MacKinnon argued regarding sexuality?
MacKinnon: Heterosexual sex and rape are on a continuum, because the common element is male control of female sexuality. Also, that heterosexual women and lesbians are on a continuum, and suggested that lesbianism can be simply choosing to be with women more than men.
Rich: Heterosexuality is central to patriarchy, not a choice but a form of social control of women. Men control women’s sexuality by defining it in masculine terms.
Short answer: How has the meaning of homosexuality changed in American culture?
1) Sodomy>gender deviance>abnormal personality>affirmative sexual/gender identity
2) the three rights:
a: Community building
* b: Seeking full social equality
c: Queer politics
