Sexuality
What aspects of sex does
Sociology study?
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
© Robert J. Atkins, Ph.D.
Why study sex sociologically?
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Important and controversial
People do not understand sexuality
very well
Part of many areas of social life
The more global our view of sexuality,
the more variety we see in the
meanings people attach to sexuality.
What do we learn from
research?
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The more global our view of sexuality, the
more variety we see.
What do we learn from
comparative (Global) Research?
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Comparative research shows
sex varies from culture to
culture & place to place –
meanings, positions,
frequency, taboos, etc. all vary
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
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?
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 (Society plays some
role)
What sexual variations
exist?
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Hermaphrodites
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Transsexuals (Transgender)
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“Trapped in the wrong body”
Transvestites
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Combination of female and male genitalia
“Cross dressing”
Genetic variations
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
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 = Streetwalkers
Against the law everywhere in US except for some
parts of Nevada
Legalizing prostitution
Do you remember?
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What causes homosexuality?
What sexual variations exist?
Where is prostitution most common?
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
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
How is birth control related to
social norms?
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As society gains birth control, social norms
regarding sexuality become more
permissive.
What do we know
about teen pregnancy?
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Increasing
1,000,000 teenagers become pregnant each
year.
Teenage women with low incomes and
weak families have the highest probability
of pregnancy.
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?