PSYC308 Final Flashcards
What is the “it’s a girl” package of genitals? What does the name mean? How is this area of the body often mischaracterized and why?
- The term “it’s a girl” package of genitals to describe the common societal perception of female genitalia. The name refers to the tendency to categorize and label genitalia based on gender, assuming that all female bodies have certain characteristics.
- This area of the body is often mischaracterized due to societal norms, stereotypes, and lack of comprehensive sex education. Female genitalia are frequently portrayed in limited and unrealistic ways in media, pornography, and even educational materials. This narrow portrayal can lead to misunderstandings about female anatomy and sexuality.
- Furthermore, cultural taboos and discomfort surrounding discussions of female anatomy may contribute to the mischaracterization. As a result, many people may not receive accurate information about the diversity and complexity of female genitalia, which can impact their understanding of their own bodies and sexual experiences. Nagoski emphasizes the importance of challenging these misconceptions and promoting a more inclusive and accurate understanding of female genitalia.
What is the dual control model of sexual functioning?
The dual control model of sexual functioning, t proposes that sexual response is controlled by two processes: one that triggers sexual arousal (the ‘sexual excitation system’ or SES) and one that inhibits it (the ‘sexual inhibition system’ or SIS). Factors like stress, mood, and context can affect these systems and thus influence desire, arousal, and pleasure.
What and how does Nagoski recommend people change in order to change their subjective sexual experiences?
Emily Nagoski recommends embracing one’s unique sexual response by understanding and accepting these systems. She suggests people can change their experiences by focusing on context and mindset, reducing stress, and increasing relaxation and intimacy, which can help ‘release the brakes’ on their sexual response.
What is sexual trauma, how common is it, how is it often perceived/misperceived, and how does it affect sexual functioning?
- Sexual trauma refers to any unwanted sexual experience or violation that an individual has endured. It can include sexual assault, abuse, harassment, or any form of non-consensual sexual activity. Sexual trauma is unfortunately common, with many individuals experiencing it at some point in their lives.
- Perceptions and misconceptions: Some people may blame the survivor, question their credibility, or downplay the severity of the trauma. Victim-blaming and societal stigma can contribute to the misperception of sexual trauma.
- Sexual functioning: Survivors may experience difficulties with intimacy, trust, and self-esteem. They may also develop sexual dysfunctions, such as decreased desire, arousal difficulties, or pain during sexual activity.
What is nonconcordance and how common is this?
Nonconcordance means that the body’s physical responses, such as genital arousal, may not always align with the person’s subjective feelings of desire or pleasure. Nonconcordance is actually quite common and can happen to people of all genders.
What is the relationship between nonconcordance and sexual consent?
Nonconcordance refers to the disconnect between physiological responses and subjective experiences during sexual activity. On the other hand, sexual consent is about clear and voluntary agreement between all parties involved in a sexual encounter. While nonconcordance can affect how someone experiences sexual arousal, it doesn’t impact the importance of obtaining and respecting consent.
According to Nagoski, what’s the best way to know whether or not a person is consenting to sexual activity?
To determine if a person is consenting to sexual activity, Emily Nagoski emphasizes the importance of clear and enthusiastic communication. It’s crucial to have open and honest conversations with your partner about desires, boundaries, and consent. Paying attention to verbal and nonverbal cues, actively listening, and respecting the other person’s boundaries are key.
How do couples in long term relationships maintain satisfying sexual experiences?
In long-term relationships, maintaining satisfying sexual experiences requires open communication, exploration, and a willingness to adapt. Here are a few tips:
- Communication: Talk openly and honestly about your desires, fantasies, and boundaries. Regularly check in with each other to ensure both partners feel heard and understood.
- Variety and Exploration: Keep things exciting by trying new activities, positions, or locations. Explore each other’s fantasies and experiment with different forms of pleasure.
- Intimacy and Connection: Build emotional intimacy outside of the bedroom through quality time, affection, and deep conversations. Strengthening the emotional bond can enhance the sexual connection.
- Prioritize Sexual Health: Take care of your physical and mental well-being. Address any health concerns, practice safe sex, and seek professional help if needed.
- Maintain Romance: Keep the romance alive by engaging in activities that foster closeness and affection. Surprise each other with gestures, date nights, or weekend getaways to reignite the spark.
What are the common reasons people seek help from therapists for sexual problems?
Some common ones include difficulties with desire or arousal, concerns about performance or satisfaction, struggles with intimacy or communication, and dealing with past traumas or negative experiences. It’s important to remember that seeking help is totally normal and can lead to positive changes in one’s sexual well-being.
How often does penetrative sex lead to orgasm for women?
While some women may experience orgasm through penetrative sex, studies have shown that a significant number of women may not consistently orgasm through penetrative sex alone. It’s worth noting that sexual pleasure and satisfaction can be achieved through a variety of activities and forms of stimulation. Communication, exploration, and understanding one’s own body and preferences are key in experiencing pleasure and satisfaction during sexual encounters.
What strategies are recommended for people who experience orgasmic difficulties?
For individuals experiencing orgasmic difficulties, there are several strategies that can be helpful. Open communication with a partner about desires, needs, and concerns can create a supportive and understanding environment. Exploring different forms of sexual stimulation and experimenting with techniques that feel pleasurable can also be beneficial. Additionally, focusing on relaxation, reducing stress, and creating a comfortable and safe space can help with orgasmic difficulties.
Describe the traditional sexual script and identify the underlying assumptions communicated by these scripts about normative sexual interactions.
The traditional sexual script usually goes like this: men make the first move, women are expected to be more passive or responsive, and the end goal is often assumed to be intercourse. These scripts kind of imply that men should want sex a lot and be aggressive about it, while women should be more focused on romance and be gatekeepers. Plus, it usually assumes a heterosexual context and overlooks other forms of sexual expression. It’s all about those gender roles and heteronormativity, which doesn’t really fit everyone’s experiences or desires.
Summarize how and what youth typically learn about sex, including what they typically do not learn.
Youth often learn the basics of sex ed, like anatomy and the mechanics of sex, sometimes with a heavy focus on abstinence and the risks like STIs and pregnancy. But they don’t always learn about consent, pleasure, or emotional aspects of sex. LGBTQ+ topics and relationships are also often missing, leaving out a big piece of the puzzle for many. It’s like getting the outline of a picture but not all the colors and details that fill it in.
Describe the major components of women’s genitalia and common ways that female anatomical parts are generally discussed.
- Mons pubis: The rounded area of fatty tissue located above the pubic bone.
- Labia majora: The outer lips of the vulva, which are typically larger and more padded.
- Labia minora: The inner lips of the vulva, which are thinner and more delicate.
- Clitoris: A highly sensitive organ located at the top of the vulva, involved in sexual pleasure.
- Vaginal opening: The entrance to the vagina, where penetration occurs during sexual activity or childbirth.
- Urethral opening: The opening where urine is expelled from the body.
Summarize research on rates of young women’s first partnered sexual activity and describe media-based sexual scripts that may shape how young people make sense of their first coital experiences.
Research shows that many young women have their first partnered sexual experience in their late teens. As for media, it often presents a pretty unrealistic picture—like it’s always romantic and perfect. This can set up some unrealistic expectations for young people, making them think that’s how it should go down. But in reality, first experiences can be awkward and it’s totally normal. It’s important for media to show a more honest range of experiences, so young people get that there’s no one “right” way for things to happen.
Describe common perceptions about sexual activity, including how frequently people engage in sex and gender differences in experiences of casual/hook up sex.
- Some common perceptions include the belief that people engage in sex frequently, but the reality is that sexual frequency can vary widely among individuals and relationships. It’s important to remember that there is no “normal” or “standard” when it comes to sexual activity.
- In terms of gender differences in experiences of casual or hook-up sex, research suggests that men may be more likely to engage in casual sex compared to women. However, it’s important to note that individual experiences can vary greatly, and these generalizations may not apply to everyone.
Compare and contrast the different ways that women and men experience masturbation and orgasm and barriers to enjoyable sex among women.
When it comes to masturbation and orgasm, both women and men can have a wide range of experiences. Men often report more frequent masturbation, possibly due to social norms that are more accepting of male sexuality. Orgasm experiences can also differ, with women sometimes reporting difficulty achieving orgasm. For women, barriers to enjoyable sex can include psychological factors like stress or anxiety, physical issues such as discomfort, or lack of communication with their partner about their needs and preferences.
Outline the ways in which the sexualization of women manifests for individuals as well as in society more broadly and evaluate the claim that self-sexualization is oppressive and harmful as well as the counterclaim that self-sexualization is empowering and pleasurable.
The sexualization of women shows up in various ways, both personally and across society. Individually, it can affect self-image and self-esteem, while broadly, it often leads to objectification in media and advertising. As for self-sexualization, some argue it’s oppressive and can perpetuate harmful stereotypes, while others claim it’s empowering, allowing women to own their sexuality. It’s a nuanced debate with valid points on both sides, and the impact really depends on the personal context and societal norms.
Define sexual agency
A sense of being comfortable with and in control of one’s own sexuality.
describe different ways women assert themselves in claiming their own sexuality.
Women can openly communicate their desires and boundaries, can also explore what they personally find pleasurable, rather than just going along with what’s expected. Education is key, learning about their own bodies and sexual health empowers them to make informed choices. And let’s not forget about challenging those outdated norms and stereotypes about how women “should” express their sexuality. It’s all about owning it and not being afraid to say what they want and what they don’t.
Sexual scripts
Descriptions of behaviors that constitute “normal” sexual behavior in a given culture.
sexual double standard (SDS)
A perspective in which women are judged more harshly than men for engaging in comparable sexual behaviors.
Sexual positivity
The idea that all sexual expression and behavior is healthy as long as it is practiced with explicit consent from all parties involved.
Spectatoring
During sex, an “out-of-body” experience in which a woman’s focus shifts to things other than the sexual encounter.
Sexualization
The imposition of sexuality on others, the consideration of people as sex objects, and/or the valuing of people merely for their sexual appeal or sexual behavior.
Self-sexualization
Purposely engaging in behaviors or practices that are associated with sexualization (e.g., wearing push up-bras, entering wet T-shirt contests).
Sexual assertiveness
The ability to ask for what one wants and to refuse what one doesn’t want within a sexual encounter.
Compulsory heterosexuality
The idea that sexual preferences are formed through the social ideal of heterosexuality, ultimately leading girls and women to prioritize the sexual desires of men.
Recognize common romantic beliefs, describe where we learn these, and outline the impact of these beliefs on romantic relationships
We pick up common romantic beliefs from movies, books, songs, and social media, which often showcase ideas like love at first sight, soulmates, and the notion that love conquers all. These narratives can set high expectations and create pressure in relationships. They can lead to disappointment when real-life romance doesn’t match these idealized versions.
Compare different theories about what women and men want from romantic partners and summarize the major findings of research studies on what women and men want from different types of partners.
- Different theories suggest that women and men might look for various things in romantic partners. For example, evolutionary psychology often suggests that women might prioritize resources and stability, while men might seek youth and fertility. Social role theory, on the other hand, argues that these preferences are shaped more by societal roles and expectations than by biology.
- Contemporary views emphasize that individual preferences can vary greatly regardless of gender, influenced by personal experiences, cultural background, and individual personality.
- Research studies: women may value emotional stability, intelligence, and a sense of humor, while men might place a higher emphasis on physical attractiveness and youth. Both genders often seek traits like kindness, trustworthiness, and a compatible personality.
Describe who gets married, how this has changed over time?
Traditionally, marriage was often between men and women in their early adulthood, but it’s changed over time. Now, people are marrying later in life, and it’s more diverse, including same-sex couples.
cultural expectations for weddings and behaviors within committed romantic relationships, including different views about mate retention behaviors.
Cultural expectations for weddings vary widely, from lavish ceremonies to simple civil unions. Behaviors within relationships are also culturally dependent, with some expecting strict monogamy and others being more open.
Mate retention behaviors range from positive (like showing affection) to negative (like jealousy), and views on these can differ greatly across cultures and individuals, often influenced by societal norms and personal values.
Describe what is meant by the second shift as well as the amount and types of labor that women are more likely than men to complete in mixed sex couples.
The second shift refers to the household and caregiving duties that many women take on after their regular workday. Even in mixed-sex couples where both partners work outside the home, women often do more of the cooking, cleaning, and child care. This can lead to an imbalance in the total workload between partners and contribute to stress and fatigue for women who are essentially working a “second shift” at home.
What are the common consequences of divorce for women?
Common consequences of divorce for women can include financial strain, especially if they’ve been out of the workforce, changes in social status, and emotional challenges like stress and loss of identity tied to the marital relationship.
Outline the benefits of being married and identify other types of committed romantic relationships beyond marriage.
Being married often comes with benefits like emotional support, financial stability, and improved health due to shared resources and support systems. Other forms of committed relationships include domestic partnerships and cohabitation, where couples live together and share a life without being legally married.
Consider sources of power within relationships, including the principle of least interest, and describe factors that affect women’s relational power and satisfaction within committed relationships.
Power dynamics in relationships can be influenced by the principle of least interest, where the partner with less emotional investment can often wield more power. For women, factors affecting relational power and satisfaction include economic independence, equitable division of household labor, and emotional fulfillment.
Summarize the individual and sociocultural factors that affect how women feel about the division of labor and the conditions under which inequitable divisions lead to negative outcomes
Individual factors like personal beliefs, career ambitions, and stress levels can influence how women feel about the division of labor. Sociocultural factors include societal norms, gender roles, and family expectations. When divisions are inequitable, it can lead to negative outcomes like resentment, relationship strain, and burnout, especially if the division isn’t aligned with a woman’s personal values or if it feels unfair.
Polygamy
The practice of one husband having many wives.
Consensually non-monogamous (CNM) relationship
Committed romantic relationships among partners who agree that they can have sexual and emotional commitments with other people.
What is reproductive justice?
Reproductive justice is a concept that goes beyond just reproductive rights. It recognizes that everyone should have the right to make decisions about their own bodies, including decisions about pregnancy, parenting, and contraception. It takes into account the intersectionality of race, class, and other factors that can impact access to reproductive healthcare and resources. Reproductive justice advocates for not only the right to have or not have children, but also the right to raise children in safe and healthy environments. It’s about ensuring that all individuals have the power to make informed choices about their reproductive lives, free from discrimination and coercion.
Compare and contrast how a reproductive justice approach to motherhood differs from an approach focused on individual choice.
- Reproductive justice is about making sure everyone has the support and resources they need to make choices about motherhood. It’s not just about the individual’s choice to become a mom, but also ensuring they have access to things like healthcare, childcare, and a safe environment.
- On the other hand, an approach focused solely on individual choice might emphasize a woman’s right to decide whether or not to have children, but it might not consider the broader context, like whether they can afford healthcare or if they live in a community with clean water and good schools.
Define voluntary childlessness
The choice not to have children.
describe how and under what conditions the motherhood mandate adversely affects women without children
The motherhood mandate, which is the social expectation that women should have children, can be tough on women without kids. When society pushes this idea, women who don’t have children, whether by choice or due to circumstances, can feel judged or left out. They might face questions about when they’ll have kids or why they don’t have any, which can be pretty invasive and stressful. In some cases, they might even miss out on social opportunities or face workplace discrimination. It’s all about those expectations and how they can lead to women feeling like they’re not meeting a ‘standard,’ which isn’t fair at all.
