BIOLOGY 30 - 1: Human Reproduction and Sexual Behavior Notes - Introduction
Initial Learning Outcomes: Perspectives on Sexuality (Two Lectures)
Key Themes: These introductory lectures will cover:
Sexual Intelligence
Focus on all bodies
Sex and Gender
Biological Foundations
Cultural Legacies (Two Themes: Sex for Procreation and Rigid Male and Female Gender Roles)
The historical influences of these two themes will be examined.
Media and Sexuality
Sexual Intelligence
Definition: Sexual intelligence involves multiple dimensions of sexuality that influence individuals throughout their lives.
Four Components (affecting personal sexuality):
Self-understanding About Sexuality: Knowing one's own attitudes, beliefs, behaviors, and values concerning sexuality, and understanding their origins.
Interpersonal Sexual Skills: Possessing the ability to communicate effectively about sexual pleasure and health, and being able to set personal limits and boundaries.
Accurate Scientific Knowledge: Having correct and factual information about human sexuality.
Consideration of Cultural and Political Contexts: Understanding how societal norms and political and economic factors determine the choices individuals may or may not be able to make regarding sex.
Sex vs. Gender: A Crucial Distinction
GENDER e SEX
Sex: "Sex is between the legs." This term encompasses biological aspects such as hormones, anatomical structures, and chromosomes that an individual is born with or develops.
Gender: "Gender is between the ears." Gender and gender roles are socially constructed concepts, and each person decides where they fit on this spectrum.
"Gender Reveal Party" Misnomer: Often, what is referred to as a "gender reveal party" is actually a "sex reveal party." The sex of a fetus is typically determined via ultrasound, which can be somewhat unreliable and frequently overlooks individuals with intersex identities.
Biological Complexity: Even terms like "male" and "female" for sexes do not represent a clear biological binary; biological reality is more complex.
Terminology: The instructor will use terms like "spermatogenesis associated structures" and "oogenesis associated structures" to refer to reproductive anatomy, emphasizing their roles in both reproduction and pleasure. The terms "Women" and "Men" will be used when discussing historical contexts, as these were the prevalent terms for much of human history.
Modern Understanding: There's a growing understanding that sex and gender are not binary. "We all share the same universal body plan and origin… That's why insights into the vaginal microbiome, ovarian stem cells, and the biology of menstruation don't mean only a better understanding of female bodies, but a better understanding of male, non-binary, transgender, and intersex bodies—in other words, all bodies." - Rachel Gross.
Cisgender: This term describes people whose gender identity aligns with the sex they were assigned at birth; it acknowledges that this alignment does not always happen.
Socialization vs. Biology: While physiological differences between sexes exist, biology is even more complex. Socialization significantly limits, shapes, and exaggerates these biological effects.
Persistent Rigidity: Many misconceptions and rigid views still persist, as highlighted by a hypothetical statement about governmental policy recognizing only two genders.
Biological Foundations
Function of Anatomy and Physiology: Our anatomy and physiology make sexual pleasure and reproduction possible. These structures are integral parts of our bodies and also serve other vital roles.
Shared Embryological Tissue: The penis and clitoris develop from the same embryological tissue, leading to tremendous variation in their final forms. Both are crucial for pleasure.
Brain and Senses: The brain and senses play a significant role in sexual arousal and response.
Role of Hormones:
Estrogen & Testosterone: These hormones influence sexual functioning, sex drive, behavior, and the development of reproductive organs.
Oxytocin: Involved in parental behavior, infatuation, and lactation.
Reproductive Basics:
DNA Inheritance: DNA, determining our characteristics, is passed from parents to their children.
Gamete Creation: Gametes (sperm and ova) are created through the process of meiosis.
New Generation: A new generation is created by the fusion of gametes through sexual reproduction.
Genetic Variability: This process leads to genetic variability, ensuring that all individuals are different.
Diversity in Sex Determination (Beyond Humans)
Biological System: Sex determination refers to the biological system that dictates the development of sexual characteristics.
Prevalence: Most animals using sexual reproduction have 2 sexes.
Genetic Basis: Roughly 50 known genes play a role in sex determination, with likely more yet undiscovered.
Variability: What constitutes a "different sex" varies greatly across species.
Chromosomal Systems Beyond XY:
Birds: Utilize a ZW chromosomal system, where ZZ individuals are male.
Reptiles: Can employ either XY or ZW systems.
Asexual Reproduction: Some animals are capable of asexual reproduction.
Parthenogenesis in Komodo Dragons (and other reptiles): A form of asexual reproduction where an ovum produces offspring without the fusion of egg and sperm. A female may switch between asexual and sexual reproduction based on mate availability. Note that a WW genotype is not viable.
Sex Change in Fish: Many fish species, including Clownfish, moray eels, gobies, and parrotfish, exhibit the ability to change sex, sometimes just once, and other times repeatedly (
flip-flop).Spotted Hyena Anatomy: Female spotted hyenas possess an enlarged and erectable clitoris, known as a pseudo-penis. Their labia fuse during development, forming a pseudo-scrotum. Birth occurs through a narrow canal within the clitoris.
Penis Size Variation: A visit to the Penis Museum in Reykjavik, Iceland, illustrates the wide variation in penis size and how the urethra can extend beyond the penis.
Takeaway Message: There is immense variation in sex and reproductive strategies across the animal kingdom. While this course focuses on human sexuality, it's important to remember that human biology represents just one facet of this broader story. Sex is a diverse and fascinating topic!
Cultural Legacies: Historical Influences on Sexuality
Two Primary Themes: Historical perspectives on sexuality have been largely shaped by two main themes:
Sex is for Procreation (SFP)
Rigid Male and Female Gender Roles
The course will explore the far-reaching consequences of these mindsets.
Theme 1: Sex for Procreation (SFP)
Historical Ideal: Historically, the common idea was that reproduction was the only legitimate and moral reason for engaging in sexual behavior.
Persistent Beliefs: This belief is still held by some groups in North America today (e.g., the American Life League), though most people no longer believe that sexual behaviors are solely for procreation.
Consequences of Past Thinking:
"Sex" Defined: The term "sex" became synonymous with penile-vaginal intercourse.
"Gold Standard" of Satisfaction: Penile-vaginal intercourse was often considered the ultimate standard for sexual satisfaction, particularly for men.
Unrealistic Expectations: The concept that sexual response and orgasm only occur during penetration places unrealistic expectations on coitus and other sexual behaviors.
Undervalued Expressions: Other forms of sexual expression were often relegated to mere "foreplay" rather than being recognized as legitimate sources of pleasure and intimacy in themselves.
Devaluation of Relationships: This legacy devalues loving sexual relationships that do not involve penile-vaginal intercourse, such as same-sex activity.
Non-Intercourse Intimacy: It also devalues all forms of non-intercourse intimacy.
Residual Effects of SFP Thinking (Examples):
Clinton's Comment (1998): Former President Clinton's statement that he "did not have sex with that woman [Monica Lewinsky]" reflected prevailing attitudes that oral sex wasn't 'sex' in the traditional sense, highlighting the narrow historical definition.
Historical Illegality: Oral and anal sex were illegal in 10 U.S. states until 2003, when the Supreme Court overturned these laws.
Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ARTs): The advent of ARTs is fundamentally changing how society views and defines reproduction, challenging the exclusive link between sex and procreation.
Theme 2: Rigid Male and Female Gender Roles
Basis in Gender Binary: This theme is rooted in the concept of a gender binary (only two genders), an idea that is now being challenged and widely understood as an oversimplification of human experience.
Sex vs. Gender Distinction: It's crucial to remember that gender and sex are distinct concepts (as previously discussed).
Cisgender: A term used for people whose gender identity matches the sex they were assigned at birth, acknowledging that this does not always occur.
Biology vs. Socialization: While physiological differences between sexes certainly exist, biological reality is far more complex than a simple binary. Moreover, socialization plays a profound role in limiting, shaping, and exaggerating these biological effects, contributing to the rigidity of gender roles.
Persistent Misconceptions: Many misconceptions and rigid views related to gender roles continue to exist today. This is exemplified by a hypothetical statement (e.g., "As of today, it will henceforth be the official policy of the United States government that there are only two genders: male and female") which represents a refusal to acknowledge gender diversity.
Next Session Preview
We will further explore the historical context and consequences associated with the two legacies: "Sex for Procreation" and "Rigid Male and Female Gender Roles."
The topic of Media and Sexuality will also be introduced.
Students should be prepared to use Poll Everywhere for interactive discussions.
Action Items: Please ensure you have read the syllabus and plan to attend your discussion section next week to earn participation points and officially reserve your spot in the course.