Learning Objectives

1.

Discuss gender within the context of its biological, cognitive, and social influences, including such factors as gender roles and gender typing.

2.

Consider issues of gender comparisons, including:

the widespread use of gender stereotypes
the actual physical differences between males and females
the small or nonexistent cognitive differences
some socioemotional differences
the controversy about gender similarities and differences, noting the importance of context

3.

Describe gender-role classification, particularly the current interest in androgyne and gender-role transcendence; the role that gender plays in relationships, self-development, and role strain; and gender development and aging, particularly with respect to the transition points for learning gender roles in the toddler years and adolescence and Guttman's proposed parental imperative.

4.

Understand the role of biological and cognitive factors in sexuality, looking at both sex hormones and the influence of cultural factors on sexual motivation.

5.

Explain the issues surrounding sexual orientation, including:

the increase in conservative attitudes toward sex seen in the 1994 Sex in America Survey
acceptance of sexual orientation as running along a continuum
that sexual orientation is likely the result of a combination of genetic, hormonal, cognitive, and environmental factors

6.

Describe sexually transmitted diseases, including:

gonorrhea	syphilis
chlamydia	genital herpes
HPV	AIDS

7.

Discuss how forcible sexual behavior (i.e., rape) and sexual harassment have become increasing problems.

8.

Relate the development of sexuality in childhood and adolescence, noting that:

most children engage in sexual play, mainly motivated by curiosity
the factors involved in mastering sexual feelings and forming a sense of identity
the progression and prevalence of sexual behaviors from kissing to sexual intercourse
the risk factors for sexual problems, such as early sexual activity, not using contraceptives, and poverty
despite an increase in the number of adolescents who are using contraceptives, many still do not, resulting in more than 25 percent of sexually active adolescents having an STD
the high rate of adolescent pregnancy in the United States and the negative consequences for the mother and her offspring

9.

Explore sexuality in middle and late adulthood, noting that most menopausal women do not have serious physical or psychological problems, the benefits of hormone replacement therapy, the issues of hormonal changes in men, and the sexual changes (particularly for men) that occur in late adulthood.

2002 McGraw-Hill Higher Education
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