(See related pages)
|
|
|
| Although a person's sex is defined by either male or female genitals, a person's gender is the psychological experience of one's sex. The subjective experience of being a male or female is referred to as gender identity. Gender identity develops early in childhood. Although small cognitive differences exist between men and women in some areas, the differences tend to be small and there are far more gender similarities than differences. Researchers have found greater differences regarding emotional and social behavior. Gender differences have also been found in the brain. Two theories that have been advanced to explain gender differences are the evolutionary theory and the social-role theory. Theories of gender identity have been proposed by Freud, who emphasized the process of identification, and by social learning theorists, who emphasize the role of society. Controversy swirls around President Clinton's proposal to ban discrimination against homosexual men and women in the military. Theories on the origins of sexual orientation emphasize social learning and predisposing biological factors. The scientific study of human sexuality, often mired in controversy, was advanced at the turn of the century by Krafft-Ebing and Ellis, by Kinsey's surveys of sexuality, Money's studies of sexual development and gender roles, and Masters and Johnson's research on the human sexual response cycle. The sexual anatomy and functioning of men and women is discussed, and the major structures are presented. The human sexual response cycle is characterized by four stages: the excitement phase, the plateau phase, the orgasmic phase, and the resolution phase. The sexual motive is similar to other primary motives in that it is subject to hypothalamic control, and it is affected by external stimuli, learning, and emotions. The sexual motive differs from other primary motives in that sex is not necessary for survival. Other differences relate to our motivation to both increase and decrease our sexual arousal, the role of deprivation, and the fact that, unlike other motives, sexual behavior decreases energy. The University of Chicago survey of sexual behavior found that a common sexual pattern for Americans is serial monogamy. The survey also found that people in committed relationships have sex more often than single persons. The survey found few differences in sexual practice across different levels of education, religious affiliation or ethnic group. Atypical sexual behavior discussed in the chapter includes transvestism, transsexualism, fetishism, sexual sadism, voyeurism, and exhibitionism. The traumas of rape and child rape are discussed, as well as the difficulties raised by sexual harassment. Although there are a variety of physical causes of sexual dysfunction, many sexual dysfunctions are caused by psychological factors. Dysfunctions are categorized as dysfunctions of desire, arousal, and orgasm. Among health problems related to sexual anatomy are cancers of sexual anatomy, and sexually transmitted diseases, such as syphilis, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and a fatal STD called AIDS. Date rape is a common occurrence on college campuses. In many cases, date rape begins with a miscommunication. Differing beliefs and attitudes about sexuality, communication, and the use of alcohol and other drugs are important factors in understanding and preventing date rape. |