Sexuality and Inequality

sex

the biological distinction between male and female

what are primary sex characteristics

differences in genitalia

secondary sex characteristics

distinct characteristics that appear as we mature

secondary sex characteristics examples

body/facial hair growth, growth spurts, fat gain

the act of sex

an activity that leads to sexual gratification and reproduction

what criteria is used to define what society views as “normal” sexual activity

age, marital status, sex of partners, and sexual behaviors

when was same-sex marriage legalized?

2015

how was sex viewed in the colonial era?

only as a means of reproduction

what happened as a result of the sexual revolution?

fewer people delayed sex until marriage, and the gender gap in sexual activity became smaller

what caused sexual freedom to increase?

birth control, urbanization, and research

what happened during the sexual revolution?

sexism emerges as a social problem, public stances were taken against rape, pornography, and incest, and access to abortion and birth control was demanded

what happened during the sexual counterrevolution?

a return to “family values” and people were encouraged to “take responsibility” for being sexually active

what percentage of men aged 65-74 report being sexually active?

85%

what percentage of women aged 65-74 report being sexually active?

62%

what percentage of men aged 75-84 report being sexually active?

78%

what percentage of women aged 75-84 report being sexually active?

41%

what has helped older men engage in more sexual activity?

erectile dysfunction drugs

sexual orientation

someones emotional and romantic attraction to another person

what percent of adults in the 1970’s felt that homosexuality was wrong? what percent in 2016?

75%; 40%

what determines sexual orientation?

cultural and biological factors

what cultural factors contribute to someone’s sexual orientation?

diversity of sexual expression around the world suggests sexual influence, and patterns of socialization have an impact

what biological factors can influence someone’s sexual orientaiton?

sexual orientation is largely fixed at birth

when was homosexuality removed from the list of mental disorders

1975

what was the landmark court case that made same-sex marriage legal

oberfell v. hodges

in how many countries is same-sex marriage legal?

26

when and where did the gay rights movement start

in chicago in 1924

transgender

appearing or behaving in ways that challenge how society says males and females should look and act

how do transgender individuals recognize their gender identities?

with pronouns

pornography

words or images intended for sexual arousal

erotica

artistic nudity

soft-core pornography

showing or describing nudity and suggesting sexual activity

hard-core pornography

showing explicit descriptions and images of sexual acts

what kinds of pornography do we have laws for

sexual violence and sexual acts against children

how can sexual material be banned?

if it violates community standards of decency and lacks any redeeming social value

how much money does pornography generate annually

10-15 billion

what did Reagan do in 1985 that revolved around the negative affects of pornography?

founded the commission on pornography

what did the commission on pornography find?

that pornography encourages men to be more aggressive, encourages pedophilia through sex with children, and encourages immoral behaviors

sexual harassment

unwanted comments, gestures, or physical contact in sexual nature

quid pro quo

one action for another

prostitution

the selling of sexual services

in what areas of society is prostitution more common?

low-income areas

what state has legalized prostitution?

colorado

what is the hierarchy of prostitution from top to bottom?

escorts/call girls, brothels and massage parlors, streetwalkers, and male prostitutes

what demographic of prostitutes are more likely to be arrested?

poor women and women of color

what is one reason poor women may sell themselves into sex trafficking?

as a means of survival

what percentage of teen pregnancies end in miscarriage?

15%

what percentage of teen pregnancies end in abortion?

26%

what percentage of teen mothers keep their babies?

59%

what demographic is more likely to experience teen pregnancy?

poor families