Introduction to Sexuality Flashcards
Sex
genetic and physical characteristics that differentiate male & female
Gender
psychosocial characteristics that differentiate masculinity and femininity
Sexuality
the physical, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual aspects of an individual that make up his or her unique sexual being
Beliefs and Values of Sexuality
communication (verbal/nonverbal), personality (personal choice), body image, self image, physical expression, socialization (relationships), gender (roles & orientation)
sexuality is mostly a…
learned phenomena & has physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects
Foreplay
Mutual sexual stimulation that may or may not lead to sex
Dailey (1984) described 5 aspects of sexuality
- Sensuality
- Intimacy
- Sexual Identity
- Reproduction
- Sexualization
Sensuality
the need & ability to be aware of and acceptation of our own body
Intimacy
the need & ability to experience emotional closeness to another human being
Sexual Intimacy
ability to give feedback & be heard in sexual relationships
Sexual Identity
the continual process of discovering who we are in terms of our sexuality
Reproduction
our values, attitudes & behaviours related to reproduction
Sexualization
use of our sexuality to influence, control, manipulate others
Values
the qualities in life that are deemed important or unimportant, right or wrong, desirable or undesirable
Moral Values
related to our conduct with and treatment of other people, more than just right or wrong. It looks at the whole picture
Sexual Moral Values
related to the rightness and wrongness of sexual conduct & when and how sexuality should be expressed
Sources of Sexual Values
our sexual values are learned in different ways, at different rates, and with different results
- we acquire our sexual values from our social environment (parents, friends, media, etc)
What are the perspectives of human sexuality?
- historical
- biological
- cross-species
- cross-cultural
- psychological
- sociocultural
Perspectives on Human Sexuality: Historical
moral and ethical behaviours tied to the supernatural and religion..
Prehistoric — stone age
evidence that female body was revered from reproductive ability
Agrarian Society
aware of male role in reproduction
phallic worship
Worship of the penis as a symbol of generative power
Incest taboo
The prohibition against intercourse and reproduction among close blood relatives
Ancient Hebrews
positive about marital reproductive sex
- disapproved homosexuality