Final Flashcards
4 meanings of anal sex in contemporary culture
- Fashionable theme (taboo, so attractive)
Emerging from the closet into the cultural mainstream - Porno number (objectification of women)
Rising in the number of popular categories
the ides of the “money shot” and a woman’s used asshole - Act of phallic domination (over women, not men)
Anuses off-limit in heterosexual porn
Have not challenged the gender hierarchy
why the objectification shot is so important - Special ultimate intimacy (gay sex)
Different quality, more about how the close two partners can get in sexual orientation. and not about objectification
how does power and anal sex interact
Sex continues to be a form of “symbolic power relations.”
Penis is active, anus & vagina are seen as passive
how does power differ in situations of anal sex in heterosexual vs homosexual couples
Gay practice of reciprocal anal penetration is a way of sharing power, whereas het couples in porn see it as an act of objectification.
what is the effect of anal sex in pornography on power/gender relations
Heterosexual practice of anal sex, as depicted in pornography, is a reaffirmation of male (phallic) power & an act of extreme objectification. reinforces gender stereotypes like male domination, female submission, and the importance of male over female pleasure
what arguments are used to support the claim that het practices of anal in porn as a reaffirmation of male power?
it reinforces the previous messages by showing it to more audiences
the penis is active and the vagina and anus are passive
objectification/used shot, nothing is off limits for men
how does the WHO define/understand sexual health?
Health, pleasure, freedom, rights
Sexual health is a state of physical, emotional, mental and social well-being in relation to sexuality; it is not merely the absence of disease, dysfunction or infirmity.
it is an elusive idea that is highly contested
there is no single authority that monopolizes the definition
How has health been sexualized?
How health professionals increasingly are encouraged and trained to address sexual matters, and how sexual issues have been incorporated into medical concerns in ways that change understandings of what it means to be healthy or ill.
why are the understandings of sexual health contested
various authorities have different ideas of what it means and are often contradictory, that makes it a political topic
it calls to attention larger issues of equality and justice, who can access things like viagra, contraception, and abortion
sex workers, people in prison, ace, and enbies are often excluded from the discussion
how has sex been medicalized?
How health professionals increasingly are encouraged and trained to address sexual matters, and how sexual issues have been incorporated into medical concerns in ways that change understandings of what it means to be healthy or ill.
why is the medicalized approach to sexual health insufficient
Claims about what it means to be healthy do not necessarily depend on biomedical definitions and views on sexual health, as already noted, may encompass ideas of rights, pleasures, and other notions that are outside the traditional purview of biomedicine
through a biomedical model that emphasizes biological functioning over the person
medical gatekeeping with resources and diagnosis
why is sexual health an elusive goal?
because there is no one solid answer and it means a lot of different things to different people.
therefore it is impossible to pursue
what 3 reasons are given for the claim that sexual health is a social phenomenon
- It impacts many lives (i.e., STIs, HIV; Me too, abortion)
- It can be pursued in different ways & is shaped by power (experts)
Sex-positive versus sex-negative experts telling us what the boundaries are - It affects groups differently, so is part of work for equity (i.e., bias & discrimination)
Development of Ideas About Sexual Health
what social dynamics /factors/movements have influenced our understanding of sexual health
History linking sex & disease
Sexual revolution
New social movements
Population growth
WHO definition – international experts (1974/5)
HIV/AIDS (the mid-90s) (i.e., avoid discrimination)
New authorities with divergent goals (1990s)
how would you describe and explain 3 key aspects of the investment/interest in sexual health in the west
- remaking medicine, medical GP training so they know, ask, and treat properly along with new specializations
makes it easier for people to seek treatment for sex related troubles
- expanding expertise, medical, psychological/ etc… porn stars, movie stars, and other influencers have now been given a platform to talk about these issues
- optimizing the self, self growth, gender affirming surgery for all, link to consumption to sell sexual health info/services/products
how would you describe the effects of sexual discourse
Today’s sexual health discourses and practices have contradictory effects.
More experts diminishes authority of each but make sex a scientific concern
Inform public on “normal” sexual health, but wide array of what that means, depending on authority
Describe sexual risks, but also explore sexual pleasures
what ideas are influenced by debates about sexual health? describe the influence
What it means to be healthy
What it means to be sexual
What is valued sexuality
These debates matter because they reflect and help shape broader conceptions of what it means to be healthy and which expressions of sexuality are valorized. But also contradictory.
why is sexual health a political question
Sexual health is, therefore, a site of contested power, influence etc. It is a political question.
are humans sexually dimorphic?
No, if we measure any kind of secondary sex characteristic (all the stuff that happens after puberty) and compare males and females there is too much similarities to be considered dimorphic
what does the bimodal distribution of attributes such as height tell us about gender difference
the idea of binary sex and gender is silly bc there is so much overlap between things like height that trying to classify people into 2 categories by ticking them into boxes is a waste of time
you dont assume that a tall woman is a man and vice versa
describe gender identity and how it differs from the sex assigned at birth
gender identity is self conceptualized, and unique to each person, cannot be assumed, also different than gender expression.
sex assigned at birth is usually 2 binary categories male, female and sometimes intersex which is then 3 other categories
what is gender expression?
the way we present like clothing, hair, body language, voice, diction, etc
what is conversion therapy and why is it problematic?
The act of trying to change an individual’s sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression to align with heterosexual & cisgender norms
problematic bc: Based on the false premise that being LGBTQ+ is a mental disorder & that it should be “fixed”
Can cause severe emotional & psychological harm (experience, depression, anxiety, self-hatred, suicidal ideation) Promotes discrimination & prejudice. Reinforces harmful societal stigmas.
how are health and structural inequalities related? what are some examples?
social determinants of health
individual-self stigma, disclosure
interpersonal- abuse, rejection, discrimination
structural- state policies, institutional practices
Research on stigma and minority stress indicates as structural and interpersonal inequalities are reduced, health disparities also reduce.
Structural stigma
Low stigma status - life expectancy above or normal
High stigma status - life expectancy 7 years lower (more suicides, ^ STD rates)
indigenous people are more likely to be blamed for sit’s where a white woman would receive sympathy
why is social support important for youth undergoing social transition
it greatly decreased suicidal ideation if they receive support, a lack or support can also lead to them being kicked out which correlates with 40% of unhoused ppl in Edmonton being queer
they already having a shit time, giving support is slay
why might someone change their pronouns multiple times? how should you respond?
they may still be in the process of figuring themselves out, especially if they are new and learning what feels right to them. Even if it’s confusing to you it might be just as confusing to do and just respect them as they figure things out and provide support.
how do bias and stereotypes impact how we think about unexpected pregnancy?
the goals, meanings, and experiences of pregnancy reflect social contexts and systems of inequality
stereotypes and bias influence our ideas about it, who gets support vs judgment
When picturing what kind of person becomes pregnant, without intending to be stereotypical, many people visualize a woman (and always a woman) who has multiple partners, routinely has unprotected sex, is generally irresponsible
how is access to contraception impacted by social location
disability-the idea those with cognitive disabilities won’t have sex so they are not provided contraception or expected to have sex
race-POC women are more likely to be offered birth control, seen as less responsible-ties to a history of eugenics, seen as more promiscuous, idea of more kids perpetuating poverty
gender-more contraceptives are offered to amabs more often, women are asked abt sexual health more than men-pregnancy is a woman’s concern and men have the option to walk away
who needs contraception and why
people that are having sex that could lead to unwanted pregnancy
most ppl have their first time around 17 but do not get married until mid-late twenties so the need for it is significant, there’s about a decade long period where people don’t plan to have kids if we assume marriage implies children
from canadian research? what are reasons for not using a condom?
47.6% monogamous relationship
47.2% reported another method
24.0% not at risk of an STI
21.8% not liking them
18.2%) thinking they were not at risk of pregnancy
No statistically significant differences in rates of condom use were identified by sexual orientation.
what abortions are available in Canada
Abortion pill (Mifegymiso) by prescription
Surgical abortion (clinic or hospital)
what factors impact access to safe abortion in alberta?
location- for the population there are only 5 providers for the service with 0 of them being in rural areas
finances-can you afford it?
social factors-stigma for getting one, physical protesters outside clinics
what reasons are given in the US for accessing abortion services
74% Interfere with education, work, & ability to care for existing children
73% Affordability
48% Avoid single mother/ relationship problems
40% Done childbearing
33% not ready to have a child
For men – not ready or interfere with activities, schooling & future goals.
what assumptions are challenged by information on who accesses abortion services
less ppl have abortions that are 24 and younger than 25 and over, very few people 17 or under and ppl around 30 still get abortions
how do contextual factors influence reproductive decisions
Shape access to birth control & abortion
Shape whether one carries an unintended pregnancy to term or not
i.e., COVID: 40% of women changed plans to have children / # of children
Reproductive justice
Requires access to information & services
what is sexual violence
a broad term
which includes any attitude or
behaviour that is sexually violating.
This can include sexual assault, sexual harassment, stalking, relationship violence,
non-consensual photo sharing, and other experiences of gender based violence.
sexual harrassment
unwanted sexual attention that is intimidating, humiliating, or offensive
can be written, verbal, visual etc
impact over intention, not illegal but is a human right violation, even if someone else doesn’t think its a big deal
examples of sexual harrassment
Quid Pro Quo - this phrase translates literally into this for that and describes an experience where the harasser abuses their power by making sexual advances
Poisoned or Hostile environment - occurs when unwelcome behaviour that is sexual in nature creates an intimidating or hostile environment, which may negatively impact someone’s work or academic performance
asking for sex in exchange for a benefit or a favour
repeatedly asking for dates, and not taking “no” for an answer
demanding hugs
unnecessary comments
consent vs coercion
consent is a willing and ongoing agreement that can be withdrawn
if its not enthusiastic then its a no
coercion is anything other than that
“ok but IM horny” shut up
how does power impact consent
that makes it easier for people to say yes even if they do not want to, might be fired, outted/blackmail, etc
it is a form of coercion
There is no consent to sexual activity when “it was obtained through the abuse of a position of power, trust or authority.”
why is it important to know how to respond to sexual violence
Intervening in Sexual Violence: How & Where to Start?
Addressing the BOTTOM of the pyramid, the attitudes & beliefs that underpin sexual violence is where we can address, prevent & stop sexual violence.
it thrives in silence
things like rape jokes, slut shaming contribute to societal acceptance
how should you respond to a friend discloses sexual violence?
listen and believe them , giving full attention and care
Explore Options
Reaching out to a SA centre
Seeking medical support
Telling someone about their experience
Doing nothing
sexual assault
Any form of sexual contact without consent. This can include unwanted or forced ‘kissing,’ fondling, vaginal or anal penetration or touching, or oral sexual contact.
how are colonialism and gendered power/sexuality interconnected?
part of the historical foundation of colonialism, orientalism and othering, western and non western judgments about sexuality
ex: what a man/woman is, you aren’t like us therefore wrong and not as advanced
why is coloniality important to sexuality?
not a linear narrative of rights development and freedoms, we gotta keep fighting for things, example of Roe V Wade being overturned
othering is based from colonialism and has spread to the othering of through sexuality, like POC women being hypersexualized and not valued as much as white women
what are the reasons given to explain why sexuality is a preoccupation in the west?
it is linked to other social transformations
1960s sexuality moved to the center (policy) & moved across the globe (globalization)
Conservative & progressive forces alike are deeply invested in sexuality as a key aspect of social forms, they are cringe and don’t like change for the simple reason that it is different
how does the ongoing practice of colonialism impact gender equality in canada??
binary Eurocentric ideas of sex and gender so those outside the cisgender binary are othered all the same but in reality other cultures were a lot more chill so it’s not a “oh but its unnatural” stfu
colonialism emphasizes the dominance of men, categorization implies that one group will have power over another and are distinctly separate
what evidence is there that there is currently a sexual transformation in the west?
Seeded in the historical process of colonization
Impacted by ongoing process of colonization (i.e. sex tourism)
Evident in resistance to the ongoing process of colonization
Supported by neoliberalism / individualism / choice
Fertilized by global capitalism & Globalization, explosion of sexual diversity, more fights for social justice, cyber sex and other innovations
what factors are impacting this transformation and how do they impact it?
decline of traditional authority-secularization, individualism, yet medical authorities still hold some sway, capitalism has made sex marketable boys
political activism-general growth of tolerance and acceptance in the west, more female autonomy, permission vs respect, toleration is not acceptance as it does not work towards change, the transformation of intimacy and family systems, new social movements are changing boundaries, new systems and changes are needed
what factors indicate that we may be seeing a decline in traditional authority? how do they feel about the decline?
secularization is not even in all countries showing some resistance, medical fields both solve and create issues, individualism can lead to being overwhelmed and a longing for “back in my day”
what is the respect form of toleration?
The respect concept of toleration is about mutuality and recognition, and a positive understanding of what toleration can be
this thing has the right to exist, you do you
what is the permission form of tolerance
Permission concept of toleration is concessionary and conditional
It is frequently as stance based on anxiety rather than full acceptance, on acquiescence rather than commitment
fine ig you can do that, i will let you if you follow these rules
Which toleration approach does Week’s argue for and why
respect
