introduction & historical perspective Flashcards
Define the biopsychosocial approach to understanding sexual behavior and provide one example for each component.
bio: ex: genetics, anatomy, hormones
psycho: ex: previous experiences, psychopathology
social: overall community context
What is pederasty, and which ancient culture practiced it?
Pederasty is a mentoring, sexual relationship between a young man and a dominant older man, practiced in ancient Greek culture.
List the components of sexual intelligence.
Self-understanding, interpersonal sexual skills, scientific knowledge, consideration of the cultural context of sexuality.
Name 3 behaviors common in non-human animals related to sexuality.
Masturbation, sexual interactions with the same gender, sexual signaling (flirting)
Discuss one characteristic of sexual behavior in more complex animals.
More tied to environmental factors, such as learning.
Provide an example of using sexual behavior for non-sexual purposes.
To communicate aggression or submission.
Name approaches to sexuality in ancient Egyptian societies
- recognized and treated STI’s
- practiced circumcision
- used sponges for contraception
- women allowed to divorce, no abortion
- first culture to eliminate prostitution (sex as part of religious observation)
Describe aspects of the approach to sexuality in ancient Greek societies.
- gods engaged in full range of sexual behavior
- males & females → assumed to be bisexual
practiced pederasty - women: no legal rights, no education, & kept at home
Explain aspects of the approach to sexuality in ancient Hebrew societies.
- belief in one God provided 1 standard for behavior, codified in an extensive set of laws
- emphasis on procreation – marital sex celebrated;
- women: husband’s property & husband can divorce w/o reason
Discuss aspects of the approach to sexuality in ancient Roman societies.
Few restrictions on sexual behavior, with upper classes being notorious for sexual excesses.
-same-sex behaviors & relationships = tolerated
- women more visible socially but still considered property.
Approach to sexuality in ancient societies— China
Taoism valued heterosexual sex as a means of combining yin and yang, with manuals existing to increase proficiency.
Describe the Hindu approach to sexuality.
Hinduism focuses on the cycle of life and rebirth, valuing sex, and the Kama Sutra is a relevant text.
- female valued less than males
Define the Kama Sutra
A detailed manual for sexual activity, also including information on improving relationships and family functioning
Define yin and yang energy in the context of sexuality.
Yin: Feminine, passive;
Yang: Masculine, assertive.
What were antimiscegenation laws, and when were they first passed?
Antimiscegenation laws outlawed sexual contact and marriage between whites and nonwhites, first passed in 1670.
- passed in 30 states, including NE
Which case led to the overturning of antimiscegenation laws by the Supreme Court in 1967?
Loving case
- prosecuted violating VA law
Discuss the approach of Paul towards sexuality in Christianity.
Paul emphasized rejection of “desires of the flesh” and taught that chastity was the highest goal, with marriage as a way of avoiding sin for those who couldn’t abstain.
How did Thomas Aquinas contribute to the regulation of sexual behavior?
Thomas Aquinas further codified restrictions on sexual behavior through his writings, which served as the basis for the persecution of same-gender sexual behavior and suspected witches.
What was Augustine’s view on sexual desire and its permissibility?
Augustine associated sexual desire with the original sin of Adam and Eve, arguing that sex was permissible only for purposes of procreation.
Describe Martin Luther’s stance on marital sex.
Martin Luther saw marital sex as valuable for strengthening marriages and managing stress
How was sexuality perceived during the Protestant Reformation?
Marital sex was seen as valuable by Martin Luther and Calvin for strengthening marriages and managing stress
How was sexuality perceived during the Enlightenment period?
Sex was viewed as a natural drive, and there was an increased interest in women’s rights. However, there was also a continuation of persecution against gays and lesbians.
Sexuality in Post-Revolutionary America
secularization of society lead to a relaxation of sexual prohibitions
What was Henry Havelock Ellis known for?
suggested that both genders could enjoy sex and saw sexual orientation as innate. He also coined the term “erogenous zones.”
