Psychology of Women and Gender - Sexuality and Sexualization

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to sexuality and sexual identity as discussed in the Psychology of Women and Gender lecture.

Asexuality

A sexual orientation in which a person experiences low levels of or no sexual attraction.

Bisexuality

A sexual orientation characterized by attraction to both women and men.

Demisexuality

A sexual orientation in which attraction occurs only when a person forms a strong emotional connection with another person.

Heteroflexible

A sexual orientation in which a person is mostly attracted to cisgender or trans individuals of the 'other' gender but occasionally attracted to those with other gender identities.

Pansexuality

A sexual orientation in which an individual is sexually and/or romantically attracted to all genders based on an individual’s personality.

Queer

An identity in which an individual does not identify with any specific sexual orientation; also an umbrella term sometimes used for those who are not heterosexual and/or gender binary.

Skoliosexuality

A sexual orientation in which a person experiences attraction toward nonbinary-identified individuals.

Sexual orientation

An individual’s predisposition toward sexual and/or romantic attraction for persons of the same sex/gender, other sex/gender or multiple sex/genders.

Monosexual

Attracted to only one sex/gender (straight, gay, lesbian).

Binegativity

Social stigma directed specifically at bisexual people.

Sexual Scripts

Descriptions of behaviors that reflect beliefs about 'normal' sexual behavior in a culture.

Heteronormative

The assumption that heterosexuality is the default or norm in sexual orientation.

Compulsory heterosexuality

The assumption that heterosexuality is necessary and universal, often leading to marginalization of other sexual orientations.

Slut shaming

The practice of criticizing women for their sexual activity or behavior.

Sexuality Socialization

The process by which individuals learn about sexuality and sexual behaviors through various sources.

Comprehensive sex education

Sex education that includes a wide range of topics, including sexual health, consent, and sexual identity.

Abstinence-only education

Sex education that promotes abstaining from sexual activity as the only method of preventing pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.

Media in sexuality socialization

A source that can shape attitudes about sexuality, often perpetuating traditional sex scripts.

Peer influence on sexuality

The impact that peers have on one's understanding and attitudes towards sex, often providing different information than parents.