Chapter 1

Perspectives on Sexuality

Sexual Intelligence
• Four components of sexual intelligence
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Understanding self
Having interpersonal sexual skills and integrity
Obtaining accurate scientific sexual knowledge
Having consideration of the cultural context of sexuality • Increasing sexual intelligence will allow for responsible decisions in sexual behavior

Studying Sexuality:

From a Psychosocial Orientation
A psychosocial orientation takes into account
• Psychological factors
- Emotions, attitudes, motivations
• Social conditioning factors
- Process with which we learn our social norms
• Biological factors
- Hormones, nervous system, genetics, etc.

Controversy and Diversity in Human Sexuality

Why do the authors attempt to bring an inclusive approach to Our Sexuality?

Diversity in the United States

What factors contribute to diversity and similarity of sexual attitudes and behaviors within the United States?

Diversity in the United States

Cross-Cultural Perspectives
Islamic Middle East

• Based on beliefs of Muhammad
• Belief that sex should be enjoyed by both sexes
• Women viewed inherently more sexual than men (this power contained by veils, segregation, female circumcision)
• Oppression of women and many sexually related restrictions stem from patriarchal cultural traditions and fundamentalist sects, not from religion and the teaching of the
Qur’an

Cross-Cultural Perspectives
China
• Ancient China
– Produced the earliest known sex manuals
– Under Taoism, sexual activity was promoted for spiritual growth and harmony
– The sexual connection of men and women was believed to join the opposing forces of yin and yang

Cross-Cultural Perspectives
China
• Sexual conservatism with communist rule (1949)
– Lack of basic information about sexuality
– Sex outside of marriage and frequent sex within marriage discouraged
– Almost no STDs
• Current trends
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Increasing rates of premarital sex
Increasing rates of HIV infection
Slightly more open to homosexuality
Still lack sexual knowledge and safe-sex skills

Our Cultural Legacy
Two Themes
• Sex for procreation
– Definition of sex and intercourse used synonymously • Male and female gender roles

What importance do the historical themes of sex for procreation and male/female gender roles have today?

Sexuality in the Western World
Judeo-Christian Perspective

• Ancient Hebrews
– Gender roles highly specialized
– Sex within marriage a necessity

• Christianity
– Spirituality through celibacy
– Sex outside of marriage as sinful
– Contradictory images of women emerged
• Virgin Mary: compassionate, pure, & unattainable
• Eve: evil temptress

Positive Shift in Thinking

• Protestant reformation
– Temporary increase in respect for women

• Enlightenment; scientific rationalism
– Value of sex in marriage, goes beyond procreation

Sexual Attitudes
Victorian Era

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