The Social Construction of Sexuality lec 2

This set of flashcards covers key vocabulary and concepts related to the social construction of sexuality as discussed in the lecture.

Essentialism

The belief that core fundamental essences exist naturally and independently of social context.

Social Constructivism

A perspective that argues that reality is created through social processes and interactions.

Ira Reiss

A researcher who studied how patterns of heterosexuality have changed over time.

Script Theory

A theory developed by John Gagnon and William Simon that suggests sexuality is learned through social interactions and norms.

Michel Foucault

A philosopher who explored the historical development of the concept of sexuality and its implications in society.

Disciplinary Society

A society characterized by institutions that regulate behaviors through monitoring and control.

Contextualized Experience

The idea that experiences are shaped and defined by the specific social, cultural, and temporal contexts in which they occur.

Queer Politics

A social movement aiming to address the rights and identities of queer individuals in society, analyzed by John D'Emilio.

Sexual Double Standard

The social concept that different standards are applied to sexual behavior based on gender, often privileging male behavior over female behavior.

Sexual Liberation

A societal condition where sexual expression is free from oppressive constraints, yet paradoxically it may require rejecting existing concepts of sexuality.