CH 1&2 (Theories and Media)

Sexology

The scientific study of human sexuality, encompassing sexual anatomy, behavior, and identity.

Libertinism

A philosophy or lifestyle characterized by self-indulgence and a lack of restraint in sexual behavior.

Essentialism

The belief that for any phenomenon, there are set attributes that are necessary for its identity and function.

Social Constructionism

The theory that reality is socially constructed, shaped by culture and surroundings.

Sexual Scripts

Cultural guidelines on how to behave in sexual situations, often gender-specific.

Psychodynamic Theory

A theory emphasizing the influence of unconscious forces and childhood experiences on human behavior.

Operant Conditioning

A learning process where behavior is modified by its consequences (reinforcements or punishments).

Classical Conditioning

A learning process where a neutral stimulus becomes associated with a response through repeated pairing with an unconditioned stimulus.

Cognitive Theories

Theories that focus on understanding human behavior through thought processes and perceptions.

Sociobiological Theory

A theory applying evolutionary biology to explain social behaviors, including mating strategies.

Dual Control Model of Sexuality

A model suggesting human sexual response involves competing impulses of excitement and inhibition.

Sexual Health (WHO Definition)

A state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being related to sexuality, requiring respect for sexual rights.

Human Sexuality

A central aspect of being human encompassing sex, gender identities, sexual orientation, intimacy, and reproduction.

Safer Sex Messages in Media

Television and media programs’ dissemination of information regarding sexual health and safe practices.

Human Sexuality

The study of how individuals understand, express, and experience sex and sexuality.

Virginity

A cultural concept often constructed around an individual who has not engaged in sexual intercourse.

Media Influences

The various ways media representations shape societal norms, values and individual perceptions of sexuality.

Madonna/Whore Dichotomy

A cultural narrative that categorizes women either as pure and innocent ('Madonna') or as promiscuous and unworthy ('whore').

Sexually and Gender-Diverse (SGD)

An umbrella term encompassing a range of sexual orientations and gender identities beyond heterosexual and cisgender.

Hysteria

Historically, a condition primarily attributed to women, characterized by emotional excess or sexual frustration.

Contraception

Methods or devices to prevent pregnancy during sexual intercourse.

Censorship

The suppression of speech, public communication, or other information considered objectionable or harmful.

Sociocultural Factors

The social and cultural influences that affect beliefs and behaviors, including those related to sexuality.

Inclusive Fitness

A concept in evolutionary biology suggesting that individuals can pass on their genes not only through direct reproduction but also by helping relatives.

Psychosexual Development

Freudian theory that suggests personality is formed through stages based on erogenous zones.

Social Scripts

Expectations and norms dictating the appropriate behavior and sequence of actions in a given sexual or social scenario.

Abortion

The medical termination of a pregnancy.

Shadow-Banning

The act of limiting the visibility of a user's content on social media without informing them.

Sexual Double Standard

A cultural phenomenon where different standards are applied to sexual behavior based on gender.

Federation of Sexual Health Education (SHE)

Initiatives designed to provide information, resources, and support for sexual health and education.

Two-Spirit

An Indigenous term used to describe a person who embodies qualities of both genders or has a unique gender identity within their culture.

Cultural Constructs

Socially created concepts or practices that shape how individuals understand and engage with diverse aspects of life, including sexuality.

Sex Work

The exchange of sexual services for money or goods.