Construction of Sexuality

Flashcards generated from notes on the construction of sexuality, covering key terms and definitions related to sexual orientation, norms, and theories.

Sexual Orientation

A category ascribed based on the people to whom we are emotionally or sexually attracted.

Heterosexual

Attraction to individuals of the opposite gender.

Homosexual

Attraction to individuals of the same gender; can refer to gay or lesbian.

Bisexual

Attraction to individuals of both genders.

Pansexual

Attraction to individuals regardless of their gender.

Asexual

Lack of sexual attraction to others.

Queer

A term that encompasses a range of sexual orientations and identities that deviate from the heterosexual norm.

Heterosexism

The structural and institutional organization that privileges heterosexuality over other forms of sexuality.

Compulsory Heterosexuality

A political institution that upholds the assumption that heterosexuality is natural.

Heteronormativity

The cultural presupposition that heterosexuality is the appropriate standard for sexual identity and practice.

Kinsey Scale

A scale that illustrates sexual orientation and identity across a spectrum from exclusively heterosexual to exclusively homosexual.

Sex as Political

The concept that sexual acts and identities are influenced by political structures and societal norms.

Mononormativity

A heterosexist caste system of values that divides sexual minorities hierarchically according to race, gender, class, ability, etc.

Sexual Hierarchy

A framework that categorizes sexual practices and identities as 'good' or 'bad' based on social norms.