Week 3 hsci

Instructor: Dr. Milad ParpouchiDate: September 24, 2024

Outline of Topics
- Review of previous week's slides
- Introduction of iClicker questions today
- Plagiarism and Academic Integrity modules (and quizzes) due tonight by 11:59 PM
- Key topics of this week:
  - What is sexual health and sexology?
  - History of sexology
  - Sex in media
  - Theories of sexuality
  - Methods of sex research

Definition of Health:
- General: Absence of disease, illness, and injury.
- WHO definition: A state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being, not merely absence of disease or infirmity.
WHO Definition of Sexual Health:
- State of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality.
- Requires positive and respectful approach to sexuality and sexual relationships.
- Involves possibilities for pleasurable and safe sexual experiences free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.
- Respect for the sexual rights of all must be maintained for sexual health to be attained and sustained.

Ancient Texts and Philosophies:
- Emperor Huang-ti (5000 years ago) - early sex handbook.
- Zhou Dynasty (1122-221 BCE) - concepts of Yin and Yang.
- Kama Sutra - Hindu text from the 2nd century BCE.
Middle Ages:
- St. Augustine's views: Sex should be solely for procreation.
- Rise of philosophies like Libertinism (self-indulgent and promiscuous lifestyle).
Key Milestones in Scientific Understanding:
- 1677: Semen discovered as a carrier of sperm (van Leeuwenhoek).
- 1827: Discovery of the female egg (Von Baer).
- Charles Darwin: Introduced concepts of sexual selection.
- Sigmund Freud: Pioneered psychoanalytic theory, connecting psychosexual development with sexual behaviour.

Sexology:
- Scientific study of human sexuality covering anatomy, physiology, sexual development, normal function, and behaviour deviations.
Main Types of Theories in Sexual Studies:
- Psychological theories
- Learning theories
- Biological theories
- Social constructionist theories

Conceptual Models:
- Use of various disciplines such as anthropology, psychology, sociology, and biology to study sexuality.
Essentialism vs. Social Constructionism:
- Essentialism: Identifying fixed, natural, and biologically determined traits.
- Constructionism: Understanding reality through social context and culture that shapes perceptions.

Role of Media:
- Significant in shaping identities, norms around gender, race, and class.
- Constructs around sexuality: defining what is deemed “normal” and acceptable behaviour.
Advertising History:
- Censorship in media influenced by religious doctrines over hundreds of years.
- Example of vibrators marketed as medical devices in the early 1900s.
- Marketing shifts post-Kinsey Reports which increased openness about sexuality.

Representation of diverse sexualities and genders in media is increasing.
Effectiveness of TV shows in educating about sexual health and safer practices.
Exploration of sexual scripts and societal expectations surrounding sexual encounters.

Key Approaches to Sexual Behaviour:
- Psychodynamic Theory: Focuses on unconscious influences and drive motivations for sexual behaviour.
- Learning Theories: Explore behaviour through conditioning and reinforcement principles.
- Biological Theories: Investigate the genetic and physiological influences on sexuality.
- Social Constructionism: Examines how social values and structures shape sexual norms and behaviours.

Methodologies Used for Data Collection:
- Surveys: Gathering individual beliefs, attitudes, and behaviours.
- Observational Research: Utilizing scientific techniques to observe sexual behaviours.
Challenges in Research:
- Possible biases and difficulties in ensuring the validity of research instruments and sample selection.
Implications of Research:
- Enhance understanding of sexual diversity, inform sexual education, and promote public health.