8.2

Introduction to Sexual Behavior

• Focus of the lecture: shifting to sexual behavior from attraction

• Overview of sexual behavior as a deeply personal aspect of human experience

• Includes desire, expression, identity, and communication

Review of Attraction Concepts

• Attraction Factors:

  • Biological factors

  • Cultural norms

  • Personal experiences

  • Not part of attraction: Seasonal patterns (c)

• Parental Investment Theory:

  • Unequal reproductive costs between sexes (answer a).

  • Females tend to be more selective in mate choice due to higher pregnancy and child-rearing costs.

Domains of Sexual Behavior

• Key Areas to Explore:

  • Definitions of sexual orientation and identity

  • Spectrum of sexual behaviors (from kink to monogamy)

• Sexual Orientation:

  • Enduring patterns of attraction (emotional, romantic, sexual)

  • Common orientations:

    • Heterosexual (opposite sex)

    • Homosexual (same sex)

    • Bisexual (both sexes)

    • Asexual (little to no attraction)

    • Pansexual (regardless of gender)

• Stability of Sexual Orientation:

  • Viewed as stable, but some experience shifts in attraction,

  • Challenges to categorical models.

Models of Sexual Orientation

• Categorical models: define fixed groups (e.g., gay, straight, bisexual).

• Dimensional models: view attraction as existing along a spectrum.

  • Incorporate multiple dimensions (sexual, romantic, aesthetic attraction, etc.).

• Kinsey Scale:

  • Ranks sexual behavior from 0 (exclusive heterosexuality) to 6 (exclusive homosexuality).

• Split Attraction Model:

  • Distinguishes sexual, romantic, and aesthetic attraction.

• Illustration of how different orientations can coexist, e.g., asexual individuals feeling romantic attraction.

Distinguishing Sex and Gender

• Sex: Biological aspects (chromosomal, hormonal, reproductive anatomy)

• Gender: Social, personal identity and roles, behaviors associated with masculinity or femininity.

• Recognition of chromosomal variation, such as Turner syndrome, which illustrates a spectrum of biological variations.

Spectrum of Sexual Behaviors

• Broad Spectrum:

  • Includes desires, actions, relationship structures beyond reproduction.

  • Healthy variations vs. paraphilic disorders:

    • Nondisordered: safe and consensual practices (e.g., kink, BDSM).

    • Paraphilic disorders: cause distress or impairment, involve nonconsensual behavior (e.g., voyeurism).

• Classification of kink:

  • Engages with power dynamics, roleplay, and erotic scenarios.

  • Relationship to emotional well-being and societal stigma.

Relationship Structures

• Monogamy: Traditional model of exclusive romantic relationships.

• Polyamory: Multiple consensual romantic relationships.

• Open Relationships: Sexual involvement outside a primary relationship.

  • Variable relationship structures across cultures, flexibility in human relationships.

Importance of Consent and Communication

• Consent: Clear, informed, enthusiastic, and ongoing agreement.

• Essential aspects:

  • Freely given

  • Can be withdrawn anytime

  • Must be specific (not implied by silence)

• Models of consent:

  • Clear affirmative consent (active "yes")

  • Safe, sane, and consensual (SSC) in BDSM communities

  • Risk aware consensual kink (RACK) considers potential risks.

• Open communication for addressing differences in desires and boundaries.

Technology and Sexual Relationships

• Evolution alongside technology:

  • AI companions (e.g., chatbots) can create new forms of intimacy, emotional support, but may reinforce isolation.

  • Concerns over ethical implications of AI companionship and autonomous robots.

• Deepfake pornography: Raises concerns of consent, privacy violation, and societal trust.

• Challenges include determining ethical standards as technology evolves.

Summary of Key Concepts

• Categorical vs. dimensional views of sexual orientation.

• Complexity of sex, gender, and identity.

• Diverse expressive sexual behaviors (from intimacy to kink).

• Difference between paraphilic disorders vs. nondisordered sexual variations.

• Emphasis on consent: ongoing communication and respect in relationships.

• Technology’s dual role in enhancing and complicating intimacy and consent.

Final Thoughts

• The exploration of human sexuality is complex, personal, and flexible.

• The importance of clear communication, respect, and ethical considerations in sexual behavior.

• Encouragement to remain open, curious, and critical in understanding sexuality.