Sexuality
What does Sociology study about sex?
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
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Why study sex sociologically?
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Important and controversial
People do not understand sexually very
well
Part of many areas of social life
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What do we learn from
comparative (Global) Research?
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The more global our view of sexuality, the
more variety we see.
Comparative research shows sex varies
from culture to culture & place to place –
meanings, positions, frequency, taboos, etc.
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What was the effect of Kinsey’s
Research? 1940’s - 1950’s
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Sexual Behavior in the Human Male
Sexual Behavior in the Human Female
Set the stage for the sexual revolution
Defined sexuality as a proper focus of
scientific study
Showed people were less conventional than
assumed
Created a new openness toward sexuality
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Current organizations & journals
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The Kinsey institute
The Society for the Scientific Study of
Sexuality
Journal of Sex Research
Advances in Sexuality Research
American Sexuality
Archives of Sexual Behavior
Journal of Sexual Medicine
Journal of Homosexuality
Many others
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Do you remember?
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Why does Sociology study sex?
What did we learn from comparative
research?
What was the effect of Kinsey’s
research?
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What causes
homosexuality?
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Kinsey’s continuum
Most evidence indicates sexual orientation
is rooted in human biology
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Biological explanations
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Simon LeVay
Hormones
Chromosomes (Twins studies)
Social Explanations
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(Society plays some role)
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What sexual variations
exist?
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Intersex
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Transsexuals “Trapped in the other gender’s body”
Transvestites
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Combination of female and male genitalia
Intersex Society of North America
(Covering 16 different conditions)
“Cross dressing”
Genetic variations
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How does society deal
with prostitution?
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Often seen as a victimless crime
Often not simply a personal choice between
adults
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Women subjected to violence
Increases spread of STD’s
Many poor women become trapped into selling
sex
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Prostitution
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Common in low-income countries where
women have fewer economic opportunities
Hierarchy of prostitution
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Elite (top) = Call girls (or escorts)
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Young attractive, well educated
Bottom = Street walkers
Against the law everywhere in US except for
some counties in Nevada
Legalizing prostitution
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Do you remember?
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What causes homosexuality?
What sexual variations exist?
Where is prostitution most common?
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Are rape statistics accurate?
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Often not reported to police
Official statistics include
only women victims.
Most men who rape men are
not homosexual
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What are some
false beliefs about rape?
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Committed between strangers
Victim encouraged their attackers
Motive is simply a desire for sex
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How is birth control related to
social norms?
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As society gains birth control, social norms
regarding sexuality become more
permissive.
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What do we know
about teen pregnancy?
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Teenage women with low incomes and weak
families have the highest probability of
pregnancy.
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Do you remember?
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Why are rape statistics often not
accurate?
What are some false beliefs about rape?
What is the background of teenagers
how are most apt to become pregnant?
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