Hyde: Understanding Human Sexuality - Theoretical perspectives on sexuality

Question 1

3 evolutionary theories

Answer 1

1. sociobiology: human sexual behaviours are shaped by evolutionary pressures. physical attraction (such as the hourclass figure) are signals of health and fertility, with attractiveness acting as a marker of reproductive potential.
2. evolutionary psychology:
   - sexual selection: is a mechanism of evolution in which members of one biological sex choose mates of the other sex to mate with (intersexual selection), and compete with members of the same sex for access to members of the opposite sex (intrasexual selection)
   - parental investment theory: behaviours or other investments in the offspring by the parent that increase the offsprings chance of survival. men may look for cues of fertility, whilst women may prioritize long-term resources in men. but critized due to the focus on WEIRD population
   - mating strategies:
3. gender-neutral evolutionary psychology: more flexible, empasizing that human behavior is adaptable, allowing individuals to modify their sexual strategies based on environmental factors. this accomodates fluid gender roles and behaviours, suggesting that adaptability is an evolutionary strength.

Question 2

freuds psychoanalytic theory on sex

Answer 2

1. emphasizes the role of the libido/sexual drive, as a central influence in personality and behaviour.
2. model of the psyche:
   - id: unconscious desires and instincts
   - ego: interacts with reality, balancing the demands of the id and the superego
   - superego: the moral conscience, internalized from societal value
3. stages of psychosexual development: oral, anal, phallic, latency, and genital. any unresolved conflict at any stage could lead to fixation

Question 3

learning theories and sex

Answer 3

• classical conditioning: sexual arousal can be conditioned by repeated associations, like a certain scent becoming arousing due to pairing with positive sexual experiences
• operant conditioning: sexual behaviour can be shaped by rewards (positive reinforcement) or punishment (negative reinforcement, bv a negative experience may reduce interest in sexual activity).

Question 4

social learning theory

Answer 4

operant conditioning, including modeling and imitation lead to people learning sexual behaviours. media, peers and role models all contribute to shaping norms around sex.

Question 5

social exchange theory=

Answer 5

examine relationship through the lens of costs and benefits, where individuals seek to maximize rewards and minimize costs. stability and satisfaction in relationships are affected by perceptions of equity and the comparison of alternatives.

Question 6

cognitive theories=

Answer 6

the dual control of behaviour: emphasize that perception, labeling and evaluation of sexual experiences play critical roles. negative thoughts about sexual experiences can influence distress, and cognitive therapy can help reframe these perceptions.

Question 7

feminist theory in sexuality

Answer 7

feminist theory critiques power dynamics in sexuality, how men have historically exerted control over women’s sexual expression.

Question 8

4 areas of feminism regarding the power dynamics in sex

Answer 8

1. gender is viewed as a marker of social status, with men having more power
2. womens sexuality has been controlled by men, often suppressed and restricted, which has lead to inequalities in sexual freedom and agency
3. gender roles shape sexual expectations and behaviours, which limit identity and self-expression in women
4. intersectionality: race, class and sexual orientation intersect with gender, impacting individuals differently based on these overlapping identities

Question 9

queer theory on sex

Answer 9

queer theory questions socially constructed binaries such as male/female and gay/straight. these categories are not fixed but fluid, supporting the idea that sexual identities are not bound to ones interpretation. queer theory challenges heteronormativity and promotes inclusivity for all sexual orientations and gender expressions

Question 10

heteronormativity=

Answer 10

the belief that heterosexuality is the default

Question 11

critical race theory=

Answer 11

race categories are not biologically determined but socially constructed and maintained by powerful groups. racism operates at an individual, institutional and structural level, including intersectionality.

Question 12

critical theories=

Answer 12

feminist theory, queer theory, and critical race theory, emphasising intersectionality

Question 13

symbolic interaction theory=

Answer 13

emphasizes that sexual behaviours are socially constructed through interactions, where meanings are negotiated between individuals. role-taking allows people to anticipate and adjust behaviours based on the perspectives of others, while definitions of situations are continually created through shared understandings.

Question 14

sexual scripts

Answer 14

this concept describes how individuals learn social scripts that guide sexual behaviours, telling us who, what, when and where sexual behaviours occur. research shows that people follow these scripts for different types of sexual encounters, allowing for predictable sequences and expectations within relationships

Question 15

which social institutions shape sexual norms

Answer 15

• religion: traditionally dictated sexual norms, often advocating for procreation-focused heterosexuality
• economy: influences sexuality through job availability, which shapes family structures and gender roles
• family: has evolved from an economic unit to one focused on emotional bonds, and has a significant role in socializing childrens views on sexuality
• medicine and medicalization of society: define certain sexual behaviours as medical issues, sometimes pathologizing them (eg. erectile dysfunction and female sexual desire disorder)
• the law: shapes sexual behaviours by defining what is legal or illegal, reflecting the interest of powerful groups and acting as mechanisms of social control

Question 16

dus wat is belangrijk aan dit verhaal

Answer 16

these perspectives underscore the importance of context, social influences, and individual variation within human sexual behaviours and relationships