2/25 Soc 105 Human Sexuality Research

Understanding Textbooks

• Textbooks are collections of research studies summarizing findings by experts.

• Types of studies in textbooks:

  • Experiments

  • Surveys

  • Interviews

  • Case analyses

• Summaries condense extensive research (up to 50 pages) into concise paragraphs.

Views and Research in Sexuality

• Sexuality is a newer subfield in psychology and sociology.

• Comparison of psychological and sociological perspectives on sexuality is vital for academic discussions.

Historical Context of Sexuality Studies

• The first question for students is about comparing different perspectives and historical insights.

• Reference to the Kinsey Report alludes to significant research in sexuality.

  • Proposal of the idea that many societal beliefs originate from historical paradigms.

Biological Perspectives on Gender

• Human reproduction involves chromosomal variations; most people have the XX (female) or XY (male) configuration.

• Different hormonal influences may lead to variations in sexual anatomy.

• Societal meanings are imposed on biological processes, leading to practices (e.g., female genital cutting, male circumcision) being ascribed various cultural significances.

• Social constructs surrounding sexuality, including double standards regarding sexual behavior, are analyzed.

  • "Revered" signifies positive perception while "reviled" indicates negative perception.

Historical Trends in Sexuality Studies

• Early 19th century:

  • Sexuality deemed private and deviant.

  • Scientific inquiry largely ignored, with focus on reproduction.

  • Women labeled with hysteria because of sexual repression.

Hysteria and Its Implications

• Historically, women diagnosed with hysteria for various behaviors.

• The DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual) tracks evolving perceptions and classifications of mental health.

  • Homosexuality was previously classified as a disorder but is no longer viewed as such.

  • Diagnosis and societal views on behaviors evolve with cultural changes.

Reaction to Hysteria

• Treatments for hysteria included suggestions for marriage and sexual activity.

• Usage of vibrators, once prescribed for medical reasons, illustrates societal norms around female sexuality and pleasure.

Key Figures in Sexuality Research

Richard von Krafft-Ebing

• Established early terms for sexual behavior, such as sadism and masochism, and viewed masturbation and same-sex relations pathologically.

Sigmund Freud

• Disputed hysteria's relation to the uterus, arguing it had psychological rather than purely biological bases.

• Proposed the id, ego, and superego to describe human drives and social conformity.

  • Id: Represents innate desires, instincts, including sexual and survival drives.

  • Ego: The decision-making component that mediates between desires and societal norms.

  • Superego: Incorporates values and morals of society, often conflicting with the id.

• 1. Oral Stage (0-1 year)

  • Definition: The first stage, occurring from birth to around one year of age, focuses on the mouth as the primary source of pleasure and interaction with the world. Babies derive satisfaction from oral activities like sucking, biting, and chewing.

  • Key Features:

    • The child is dependent on caregivers for nourishment (breastfeeding or bottle-feeding).

    • Pleasure is derived from oral activities, and the mouth becomes the focal point.

  • Examples:

    • Sucking on a nipple or pacifier, chewing on toys.

  • Fixation Consequences:

    • If oral needs are not adequately met or are overindulged, individuals may develop an oral fixation. This could manifest in behaviors like smoking, overeating, nail-biting, or excessive talking in adulthood.

  2. Anal Stage (1-3 years)

  • Definition: This stage occurs from ages 1 to 3 and focuses on the anus. The child learns to control bladder and bowel movements, which introduces the concepts of control and independence.

  • Key Features:

    • Toilet training becomes a significant part of development, and the child derives pleasure from the control over elimination.

    • The ego begins to develop, as children start to understand and navigate societal expectations.

  • Examples:

    • A toddler learning to control their bathroom habits and receiving praise or punishment based on success or failure in this area.

  • Fixation Consequences:

    • If toilet training is either too harsh or too lenient, the individual may develop an anal fixation, leading to traits like anal-retentiveness (overly organized, controlling, or perfectionistic) or anal-expulsiveness(messy, disorganized, or rebellious).

  3. Phallic Stage (3-6 years)

  • Definition: The phallic stage occurs from ages 3 to 6 and focuses on the genital area. During this time, children begin to explore their bodies and develop unconscious desires for the opposite-sex parent.

  • Key Features:

    • The Oedipus complex (for boys) and Electra complex (for girls) emerge, where children may feel attracted to the opposite-sex parent and develop rivalry with the same-sex parent.

    • The superego begins to develop as children internalize societal and parental rules.

  • Examples:

    • A young boy might develop a strong attachment to his mother and feel competitive toward his father.

    • A young girl may feel attracted to her father and have jealousy toward her mother.

  • Fixation Consequences:

    • Failure to resolve the Oedipus or Electra complex may result in an inability to form healthy relationshipsin adulthood, and the individual may develop an excessive need for attention or power.

  4. Latency Stage (6-puberty)

  • Definition: The latency period occurs from around age 6 to puberty, where sexual feelings are dormant, and the focus shifts to social and intellectual development.

  • Key Features:

    • This stage is characterized by the development of communication skills, peer relationships, and hobbies.

    • Children typically form same-sex friendships and begin to develop a sense of competence in school and activities.

  • Examples:

    • Developing close friendships with peers, focusing on academic and extracurricular activities, learning new skills, and exploring interests.

  5. Genital Stage (Puberty onward)

  • Definition: The genital stage begins at puberty and lasts throughout adulthood. This stage marks the resurgence of sexual desires, now directed toward others rather than self-exploration.

  • Key Features:

    • Adolescents develop a capacity for mature sexual relationships and the ability to love and work productively.

    • The individual seeks to balance personal desires with social and moral considerations.

  • Examples:

    • Entering into intimate, mature relationships and establishing a sense of identity and sexual maturity.Norms Governing Sexual Behavior

• Sexual conduct is regulated by various social norms, such as:

  • Prohibition of incest

  • Avoiding sexual relations with minors

  • Requirements for informed consent in sexual activities.

  • The notion of consent needs clear affirmative expression:

    • Consent cannot be implied; it must be explicit and enthusiastic.

• Legal definitions of minor and other societal guides further shape sexual behavior within communities, reflecting historical changes in attitudes and laws.

Conclusion on Evolving Perspectives

• Historical context illustrates how beliefs about sex have transformed over time; understanding these shifts is essential to comprehend current attitudes.

• Acknowledgment of persistent issues regarding societal labeling and perceptions of sexual behaviors.