Chapter 1

Perspectives on sexuality in a cultural and historical context

Sexology

the scientific study of sexuality

Gender

the behavioral, social, and cultural manifestations of femaleness or maleness

Biological Sex

the genetic, hormonal, anatomical, and functional manifestations of femaleness and maleness

Identity

the way an individual perceives himself or herself or some aspect of self or how that individual represents himself or herself to others

Patriarchal

a social structure where, power, wealth, property, and status are controlled by males

Original Sin

in the Abrahamic religions, the belief in either a metaphorical turning away from divine teaching or a literal corruption of sexual pleasure; serves as a historical and contemporary contribution to negative views of sexual pleasure absent a procreative relationship

Sex Panics (Moral Panics)

a widespread concern about some aspect of sexuality or sexual behavior, that is not based in evidence, and may have an unstated origin in mortality. The broader phrase may denote concerns about sexuality, or broader concerns about departures from traditional values

Scientific Method

process for learning about reality based on objective, verifiable evidence that permits ideas to be tested

Sex Positive

cultures and attitudes view sexual pleasure as a positive part of human experience, to be enjoyed for its own sake

Sex Negative

cultures and attitudes that view sexual pleasure as only being appropriate if expressed in certain contexts or for certain purposes and that view sexual activity outside of these contexts as being inferior or wrong