Construction of Sexuality

Sexual Orientation

  • Definition: A category ascribed based on the people to whom we are emotionally/sexually attracted.

Variations in Sexual Orientation

  • Heterosexual: Attraction to the opposite sex.
  • Homosexual: Attraction to the same sex (includes gay men and lesbians).
  • Bisexual: Attraction to both men and women.
  • Pansexual: Attraction regardless of gender.
  • Asexual: Lack of sexual attraction to others.
  • Queer: Umbrella term for non-heterosexual identities.

Erosexism

  • Definition: The structural and institutional organization that privileges heterosexuality over other forms of sexuality.

Adrienne Rich's Theory

  • Compulsory Heterosexuality: A political institution upholding the notion that heterosexuality is the assumed natural state.

Heteronormativity

  • Definition: Cultural presupposition that heterosexuality is the standard for sexual identity and practice, and that alternative sexualities are considered deviant or abnormal.

The Evolution of Sexuality Perspectives

  • Historical shift from viewing sexuality as a behavior to seeing it as an identity.
  • The concept of sexual 'instinct' evolved to an identity framework.
  • Heterosexual binary originated in the 1890s, influenced by medical literature.
  • Roles: Heterosexual attraction deemed normal, while homosexual attraction considered abnormal.
  • This binary supports gender roles and fosters homophobia.

Kinsey Scale

  • A tool developed to measure sexual orientation on a spectrum from exclusively heterosexual to exclusively homosexual, including various degrees of bisexuality.
  • Captures the complexity of human sexuality, questioning its relevance today.

Gayle Rubin's Quote

  • "Sex is always political."
    • Emphasizes the intertwining of sexuality with political structures and implications.

Rubin's Radical Theory of Sex

  • Proposes a new theoretical framework for understanding sexual oppression.
  • Advocates for pluralism in both theory and practice regarding sexual identity and orientation.

Critiques of Rubin's Theory

  • Essentialism: The idea that sexuality is fixed and natural.
  • Sex negativity: The view that sex is bad or sinful.
  • Misplaced scale: Overemphasis on sexual acts rather than broader human connections.
  • Hierarchical valuation: The contention that certain sexual acts are better or worse than others.
  • Slippery slope arguments: Concerns that certain kinds of sex lead to societal decay.
  • Rigid definitions of sexual variation: Narrow views of acceptable sexual practices.

Constructs of Sexuality

  • Heterosexual: Often viewed positively in society, while alternatives are marginalized.
  • Types of Sexual Acts: Categorized into good and bad sex, with implications often dictated by societal norms.
    • Good sex: Defined as normal, natural, healthy, and holy (e.g., heterosexual monogamous partnerships).
    • Bad sex: Defined as abnormal, unnatural, sick, and sinful (e.g., promiscuous behavior, non-monogamous relationships).

Mononormativity (Lisa Duggan)

  • The belief system that prioritizes monogamous, heterosexual relationships, creating a caste system that discriminates against sexual minorities based on race, gender, class, and ability.

Summary of Key Ideas

  • Understanding sexual orientation involves recognizing a spectrum of identities.
  • Societal structures and norms heavily influence perceptions and treatment of different sexual orientations.
  • The historical context of sexuality is crucial to understanding contemporary issues related to sexuality and identity.