Understanding Sexual Orientation and Gender Influence

These flashcards cover key concepts and historical context regarding sexual orientation, gender influence in attraction, and related theories.

What is the difference between sexual orientation and sexuality?

Sexual orientation is an enduring pattern of cognitive, motivational, and behavioral tendencies that shapes how people experience and express sexuality, while sexuality refers to the capacity for sexual responses and experiences.

Who coined the terms 'homosexuality' and 'normalsexualitat'?

Hungarian journalist Karl-Maria Kertbeny in the late 1860s.

What significant change regarding homosexuality occurred in 1973?

The American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM).

What does the Kinsey Scale measure?

The Kinsey Scale measures the amount of heterosexuality and homosexuality an individual identifies with, ranging from 0 (exclusively heterosexual) to 6 (exclusively homosexual).

How does the Kinsey Scale categorize a rating of 3?

A rating of 3 indicates an individual who is equally heterosexual and homosexual.

What was the fraternal birth order effect?

It refers to the positive correlation between the number of older brothers a man has and his likelihood of identifying as gay.

How do maternal antibodies relate to male sexual orientation?

Mothers of gay sons exhibit elevated levels of certain antibodies linked to male sexual orientation.

What does the alliance formation hypothesis suggest?

Same-sex sexual activity promotes beneficial friendships between unrelated pairs, enhancing reciprocal altruism.

What is the fecundity hypothesis?

It posits that the biological mothers and aunts of gay men tend to have more children than those of heterosexual men.

What differences exist in the romantic selection criteria for men and women?

Men often prioritize 'good looks' and 'housekeeping' skills, while women prioritize 'good financial prospects' and 'ambition'.

At what age do women tend to pick male partners?

Women typically choose men closer to their age or slightly older, while older women may choose younger men.