An Introduction
Gender & Human Sexuality
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Lecture Overview
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Sex and Gender
The Study of Human Sexuality
Sexual Behavior
Sexual Problems
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Sex and Gender
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Sex refers to the biological aspects of being male
or female (and the physical acts of
intercourse/masturbation)
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Sex differences are physical differences
Gender refers to the psychological and
sociocultural meanings added to biological sex
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Gender differences result from people’s thinking about
gender
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Dimensions of Sex
Sex Dimensions
Male
Female
1.
2.
3.
4.
XY
Testes
Androgens
Penis, scrotum
XX
Ovaries
Estrogens
Labia, clitoris,
vaginal opening
Vagina, uterus,
fallopian tubes,
cervix
Breasts,
menstruation
Heterosexual,
lesbian, bisexual
Chromosomes
Gonads
Hormones
External genitalia
5. Internal accessory organs
6. Secondary sex
characteristics
7. Sexual orientation
Prostate, seminal
vesicles,
vas deferens
Beard, low voice,
sperm emission
Heterosexual, gay,
bisexual
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Human Reproductive Structures
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Gender Dimensions
Gender Dimensions
Male
Female
8. Gender identity
Perceives self
as male
Perceives self
as female
9. Gender role
Masculine
Feminine
Gender identity is self-defined
Gender role is socially-defined
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Determinants of Gender Identity
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Gender identity refers to the personal view of oneself as male
or as female
Environmental factors were assumed to be central
determinants of gender identity
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Notion was that social-cultural influences shaped gender identity
The case of the castrated identical twin whose gender identity was
reassigned following a botched circumcision was taken as important
evidence for the role of environmental factors
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Problem: he later rejected the reassignment and took on a male gender
identity (now this case supports a biological view of gender identity)
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Gender Role Development
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Gender roles are societal expectations for
normal and appropriate female and male
behavior
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Social-learning theory argues that gender roles develop as
children:
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receive rewards/punishments for gender role behaviors
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watch and imitate the behaviors of others
Cognitive-developmental theory argues that children develop
gender schemas
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Gender Differences
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Cognitive abilities
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Females score higher on verbal skills
Males score higher on math, visual-spatial skills
Aggression
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Males exhibit greater physical aggressiveness
Females are higher on relational aggression
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E.g. spreading rumors about others, ignoring or
excluding others
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Androgyny
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Androgyny – combining characteristics
considered typically male with characteristics
considered typically female
Masculine and androgynous individuals
generally have higher self-esteem and
creativity, are more socially competent and
motivated to achieve, and exhibit better
overall mental health.
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Scientific Study of Sexuality
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Havelock Ellis was among the first physicians to initiate a
scientific study of sexuality
 His studies revealed that nocturnal emissions were not
dangerous
 Ellis later came to promote the dissemination of accurate
information on human sexuality
Alfred Kinsey used surveys and interviews to study sexual
practices and beliefs
Masters and Johnson brought the study of sexuality into the
laboratory to study the sexual response cycle
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Sexual Response Cycle
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Sexual Activity
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Men are thought to have greater sexual drive, interest and
activity than do women. Why?
Evolutionary Perspective: Men developed an interest in sex with
multiple partners in order to maximize the likelihood of passing
on their genes; women seek a good provider
Social Role Approach: Gender differences reflect cultural roles
and division of labor
 Women prefer resource-rich men, but only when they lived
in cultures with little reproductive freedom/educational
equality
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Sexual Orientation
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Homosexuality may reflect the impact of biological
factors on sexual orientation
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Biological factors are supported by twin studies that
suggest genetic influence on sexual orientation
Homosexuality does not reflect
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Poor parenting: smothering mother, detached father
Arrested development or an immature personality
Childhood seduction by adults
Modeling of gay behaviors and views from others
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Sexual Function
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Sexual behavior in males and females involves
arousal of the peripheral sex organs, the spinal
cord, and the brain.
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Factors that modulate activity within any of these regions
can impair sexual function
Sexual arousal involves activity within the
parasympathetic nervous system (allows for blood flow to
the sex organs)
Sexual orgasm involves the activation of the sympathetic
nervous system
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Sexual Dysfunctions
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Male sexual problems
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Male and Female
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Impotence (inability to maintain an erection)
Premature ejaculation
Dyspareunia (painful intercourse)
Inhibited desire
Sexual aversion
Female
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Orgasmic dysfunction
Vaginismus (painful contraction of the vaginal muscles)
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Sex Therapy: Masters and Johnson
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Therapy focuses on the relationship
Therapy integrates physiological and
psychosocial factors
Therapy focuses on cognitive factors
Therapy focuses on specific behavioral
techniques
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Drug Actions on Sexuality
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Alcohol: Reduced testes size and suppressed hormone
function
Cocaine: Erectile disorder, inhibited orgasm, lowered
sperm counts
Barbiturates: Reduced desire, erectile disorder, delayed
orgasm
Marijuana: Reduced testosterone levels, reduced desire
Tobacco: Decreases the frequency and duration of
erections and of vaginal lubrication
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)
AIDS
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Although AIDS is transmitted only through
sexual contact or exposure to infected bodily
fluids, many people have irrational fears of
contagion.
One million North Americans are HIV
positive and therefore carriers
Lecture 1 Gender (LIHernandez)