Chapter 6, Our Sexual Selves Sexual Development and Orientation Theoretical Perspectives on Human Sexuality Negotiating (Hetero)sexual Expression Sexuality Throughout Marriage

Chapter 6, Our Sexual Selves Sex as a Pleasure Bond Sexual Expression, HIV/AIDS and Other Sexually Transmitted Diseases. Platform and Pulpit Sexual Responsibility

Theoretical Perspectives on Human Sexuality Exchange Perspective -satisfaction depends on the costs and rewards of a sexual relationships Interactionist Perspective - men and women are influenced by the sexual scripts they learn from society

Early America: Patriarchal Sex Sex is valued for procreative potential. Characterized by beliefs, values, attitudes and behaviors developed to protect the male line of descent. Men are thought to be born with an urgent sex drive, while women are naturally passive.

Twentieth Century: Expressive Sexuality Sexuality is basic to the humanness of both men and women Sex is not only for procreation but is an important means of enhancing human intimacy

1960’s: Sexual Revolution Birth control pill became widely available Laws regarding sexuality became more liberal. People’s attitudes and behavior regarding sex became radically more permissive.

The 1980s and 1990s: Challenges to Heterosexism Americans are more likely to approve of civil rights protections for gays and lesbians. Publics attitude toward homosexuality has become more favorable.

Stages of “Coming Out” Sensitization - future homosexuals feel sexually marginal, have experiences that sensitize them to subsequent definitions of themselves as lesbian or gay. Identity confusion -inner turmoil and uncertainty.

Stages of “Coming Out” Identity assumption - develop a self-identity and a presented identity as homosexual. Commitment - accept homosexuality as a way of life.

21st Century: Risk, Caution and Intimacy More health risks in sexual encounters. Relationships between the sexes are more egalitarian.

Four Standards of Non-marital Sex Abstinence - nonmarital intercourse is always wrong. Permissiveness with affection - permits nonmarital intercourse for men and women in stable affectionate relationships.

Four Standards of Non-marital Sex Permissiveness without affection - allows intercourse regardless of the stability or affection in the relationship. Double standard - women's sexual behavior must be more conservative than men’s.

Sexual Satisfaction and Self-Esteem People with low self-esteem may turn off their erotic feelings because they feel they don’t deserve them. Healthy self-esteem allows people to acknowledge and accept heir own tastes and preferences.

Sexual Satisfaction and Self-Esteem Self-esteem provides the freedom to search for new pleasures. Self-esteem lets people ask their partner to help satisfy their preferences. Self-esteem makes it possible to engage in pleasuring.

Elements in Sexual Satisfaction Self-esteem Transcending gender stereotypes Cooperation and communication

Who Has HIV/AIDS? In 2,000 more than 300,000 people were living with AIDS. Primary risk groups: men who have sex with men and intravenous drug users Largest percentage of AIDS cases were diagnosed in persons in their thirties (45%)

Politics and Sex Education Research indicates that sex education does not lead to early sexual activity. Over 80% of parents support teaching about birth control and 76% want sex education to cover sexual orientation 23% of school districts require teaching abstinence only.

Sexual Responsibility Prevention of pregnancy. Prevention of sexual transmitted diseases. Communication with partners and potential sexual partners and being honest with their motives for wanting to have sex. Responsibility to oneself to make decisions according to one’s own values.