Gender Roles, Androgyny, and Human Sexuality

Vocabulary flashcards covering gender roles, advantages of androgyny, hormonal physiology of sex, and psychological impacts of sexually explicit materials.

Androgyny

The expression of both masculine traits (assertive) and feminine traits (sensitive).

Advantages of Androgyny

Research-indicated benefits for more androgynous individuals compared to rigidly gender-typed individuals, including greater flexibility in career choices, greater resilience and self-acceptance, and lower rates of depression.

Animal Hormonal Regulation

The strong regulation of sexual behavior by hormones in most animals (e.g., a dog in heat).

Human Hormonal Response

The characteristic of human sexuality where humans do not respond to daily or cyclical hormonal fluctuations for sexual interest.

Testosterone

The base level hormone indicated in sex drive for both men and women.

Gas Tank Analogy for Testosterone

The concept that a sufficient base level of testosterone is necessary for sexual interest, but higher levels beyond that threshold do not necessarily increase function or interest.

Physiological Arousal to Sexually Explicit Materials

The bodily response to sexually explicit materials (pornography), which occurs in both men and women.

Labeling Arousal (Men)

The tendency for men to label physiological arousal from sexually explicit materials as exciting (positive).

Labeling Arousal (Women)

The tendency for women to label physiological arousal from sexually explicit materials as uncomfortable, nervous, or anxious (negative).

Desensitization

A downside of high exposure to sexually explicit materials where extreme content makes normal sex seem boring, leading to a dull experience in daily life.

Downsides of High Exposure to Explicit Materials

Negative effects including earlier and more frequent sexual activity for teens, endorsement of rape myth beliefs, lower partner attractiveness and sex life enjoyment, and desensitization.