Chapter 7

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

 Something new that I learned was that people who are older actually do engage in sexual behaviors. I think I always bought into the stereotype that elderly people don’t have fulfilling sex lives but according to the book, they do. The book quotes some interesting findings to back up this claim. Among 75-85 year olds, nearly 25% have sex four or more times a month and more than 25% of men and 33% of women either gave or received oral sex in the past year.

 Discussion Point

 Something that I found interesting was the idea of purity balls, where girls make a pledge to their fathers to remain virgins until they are married and their father’s vow to protect their daughter’s chastity. The book points to some negative effects of making a pledge to remain abstinent until marriage including pledgers being less likely to use contraceptives if they do break the pledge.

 I was wondering if anybody can see any other possible negative aspects of purity balls. What does it say about the importance of a girl remaining a virgin? What about the vow being made to a girl’s father? 

Ali Mosser