Chapter 7 begins with expressing that sex is more important for some people than it is for others. Additionally, there are significant differences across different cultures and societies in terms our sexual development, attitudes and actions. The first term identified and defined is sexual identity, which is our awareness of ourselves as male or female and the ways in which we express our sexual values, attitudes, feelings, and beliefs. Incorporated in sexual identity is the idea of sexual orientation. The book identifies sexual orientation as having a preference for sexual partners of the same sex (homosexual), opposite sex (heterosexuals), both sexes (bisexuals), or neither sex (asexual). The chapter continues by discussing what determines sexual orientation. There are biological theories and social constructionist theories that attempt to describe how we develop a sexual orientation. The next concept discussed is that of sexual scripts. Sexual scripts are defined as the formal or informal norms for legitimate or unacceptable sexual activity, the eligibility of sexual partners, and the boundaries of sexual behavior. Sexual scripts differ by gender, race and ethnicity.
The next section outlines why we have sex. The book expresses multiple reasons for having sex including interpersonal reasons such as expressing affection, peer pressure, parental inputs and structural factors. The chapter then identifies who influences our sexual behavior. These include parents, peers and siblings, religion, media and popular culture, and sex education. The most misinformation that we get about sex comes from our peers and the media.
According to the chapter, sexual behaviors include flirting, kissing, autoeroticism, and oral and anal sex. The book points out that most of us have conventional sex lives. The chapter then touches upon sex within marriage. The frequency of sex within a marriage usually decreases over time but according to the chapter, married couples typically enjoy other sexual activities besides intercourse.
The chapter then discusses love within gay and lesbian relationships. They have relationships very similar to heterosexuals, but at the same time face obstacles that are unique to them. These obstacles include society’s general disapproval of their lifestyle and the lack of rights bestowed upon them in multiple areas.
The chapter concludes with a discussion of STI’s. This discussion includes HIV and Aids. The prevalence of HIV is highest among African Americans, men, and men having sex with men. The most common ways HIV is spread is through anal sex, oral sex, drug use, sharing needles and having multiple partners.
Something New/ Interesting
Ali Mosser
wanted to comment on what you found interesting. Old people need loving too. that is discriminatory toward the elderly. even thought they might need some help they still have needs that need to be meet.
ReplyDeleteI would argue that the worst aspect of these purity balls would be the stereotype that they seem to perpetuate, or rather the double standard that they perpetuate. The book did seem to mention that on an individual level the use of contraceptives with people who attend these was an issue, but I think that perpetuating this double standard could potentially be more negative, at least in terms of society as a whole, in that it is a way to (as I stated before) keep the double standard that women feel they have to adhere to in existence.
ReplyDeleteKarl Wahlen