...Introduction Human sexuality plays a major role in everyone’s life, it aides in the definition of who we are and what we do and is the way in which we experience and express ourselves as sexual beings (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2010) Human sexuality; different from that of force driven animal instinct, is directed by a variety of different complex factors. Due to the complexity of human sexuality there has been much done by the way of research, theory and model development from past researchers such as Sigmund Freud, Henry Havelock Ellis, Alfred Kinsey, and the team of Masters and Johnson (King, 2012). This paper will explore some of the current contributors of research as well as factors leading to the development of human sexuality based upon: the biological perspective, gender identity and roles, sexual orientation, as well as the relation between these terms. Development of Human Sexuality Human sexuality is indeed the way in which we experience as well as express ourselves as sexual beings (Rathus, Nevid, & Fichner-Rathus, 2010). Many theories have been developed regarding the development one’s gender identity and human sexuality; however it is argued that the most important factor to consider is our actual gender (DeLamater & Friedrich, 2002). Sigmund Freud’s “Freudian Theory” is based on the fact that each stage in life brings new milestones for human sexual development (King, 2012, p. 207). In the first year of life Freud believed that due to the occurrence...
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...media both audio visual and printed has been feeding the young curious minds more often with misinformation and wrong notions about sex. The 'sexual arena' is in constant focus among the teens; in the absence of proper guidance, this can result in more harm than good. Enlightening a teenager is the best preventive policy to tackle the growing health problems in this age group. They need to understand very early that it is better to be safe than sorry. (Taruna http:// tarunamlife. blogspot. com/2010_10_01_archive.html) Sex education means different things to different people. Perhaps this is because we precise sex, as we do other things, in relation to our own expression and attitude. First of all, sex education which is sometimes called sexuality education involves all aspects of the individual not merely the physiological process and physical needs. Sex education is also about developing young people’s skill so that they make informed choices about their behaviour, and feel confident and competent about acting on these choices. Sex education is about taking precautionary measures and making children aware of what it is all about and it is not about encouraging children to have sex. It is widely accepted that young people have a right to sex education. This is because it is a means by which they are helped to protect themselves against abuse, exploitation, unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases. Sex education aims to reduce the risk of potentially negative outcome...
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...Leo Dudziak HLS 301G Human Sexuality Library Research Project 6/21/2015 1. Religion and Sex 2. International Human Sexuality Issues Female genital mutilation Female genital mutilation is a ritual removal of some or all of the external female genitalia. The practice of female genital mutilation is concentrated in 27 African countries. Although cases are found in other countries those 27 countries compose a vast majority of worldwide female genital mutilation. It is an appalling tradition that is practiced for religious and cultural reasons. There are four types of female genital mutilation according to The World health organization. Type 1 is partial or total removal of the clitoris. Type two partial removal of clitoris and labia minora. Type three is narrowing of the vaginal orifice and type 4 is any other harmful procedure to female genitals for nonmedical purposes. 85% of women who have had female genital mutilation have had type one or type two performed. The practice significantly affects females the sexuality of those that have had it performed to them. Woman can be severally affected because removal of part of the vagina or clitoris has many negative physical and psychological affects. The physical effects that can happen are severe bleeding, problems urinating, cysts, infections, infertility as well as complications in childbirth and increased newborn deaths. Female genital mutilation can take some or all pleasure away from sex. It also reduces orgasms...
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...wonder why as humans we behave the way we do, why we express emotion, have feelings, or experience hunger? How does it all work? The human body is comprised of systems all working together to complete an action or a coordinated set of chemical reactions initiated by the nervous system. The nervous system is part of a human’s body that controls voluntary and involuntary behaviors by transmitting information throughout different parts of the brain and the body via neurons and axons. The nervous system consists of two main parts, the central nervous system (CNS) which contains the brain and spinal cord and the peripheral nervous system (PNS) connects the brain and the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Within the peripheral nervous system you have the somatic nervous system. The somatic nervous system consists mostly of axons that transport messages from sense organs to the central nervous system and from the central nervous system to the muscles (Kalat, 2013). Also within the PNS is the autonomic nervous system, which controls the heart and other organs. The autonomic nervous system consists of two parts, the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. The sympathetic nervous system prepares organs for fight-or-flight activity such as increase heart rate, while the parasympathetic nervous system does the opposite decreasing heart rate. Both systems work together to regulate involuntary bodily functions and behaviors. One example of regulatory behavior is human reproduction...
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...The Brain influence on Sexuality According to Coon and Mitterer, the brain is known for being one of the valuable parts of the central nervous because it “carry out messages to the nervous system.” (2003, p. 56). But the brain has other tasks to complete on a daily basis. Chemicals in the brain can alter numerous sparks of feeling toward an individual of the same sex or opposite sex. Some sex hormones have a strong influence on brain chemistry. The mechanics of heterosexual male and female brains are different from the ones of a homosexual males and females. Everyone’s brain is connected differently which influenced someone’s sexual preference that people decide to make in their life. The brain is not the only component that influenced individual...
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...Explain the major factors or historical foundation that contributed to making the selected social issue important for sociological consideration Human sexuality is defines as an area of research and study that focuses on all aspects of humans as sexual beings. Basically, human sexuality involves much more than anatomy and sexual responses, but incorporates how we engage in relationships and behaviors that determine our desires and sexual identity as well as our overall sexual health, well-being, and our perceptions and expressions (Hockenbury and Hockenbury, 2006). There are many factors that help develop our sexuality, arguably one of the most important, is our actual gender. Whether, I am a female or male will likely have a major influence on the development of my individual sexuality. Furthermore, sexuality is an integral part of our personalities whether we are aware of it or not. Although Human sexuality is a normal part of life and everyday development, there are several sides to human sexuality and how we behave as human beings. There is the impact on aging in sexuality, sex and violence, and sexuality (Hockenbury and Hockenbury, 2006). One of the historical events was the sexual revolution in American come of age in the late 1960s. The Playboy magazine became the most popular in America. Also in the 1960s sexual mores was upside-down. First was the technology of birth control. The birth control pill was perfected, for the first time giving women the freedom...
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...until this research work was completed. I really feel proud of my honorable respondents who helped me to collect data in regard of my research title. Their helping mind really impressed me. So, I show my deepest sense of respect to them. My supervisor, I thank you for your guidance that brought me to the end of this work. Your politeness & cordial behavior added encouragement to my work. December, 2014 | Roll No:09203219Registration no: 3552Session: 2008-2009MSS, Department of Anthropology | ABSTRACT Being the main force conditioning human relationship, sex is essentially political. In any social context, the construction of a "sexual universe" is fundamentally linked to the structures of power. The construction of sexual meanings, is an instrument by which social institutions (religion, marketing, the educational system, psychiatry, etc.) control and shape human relationships. People define “sexuality” in different ways. Some people define it as sexually motivated behavior. But people all have their own...
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...ANTHROPOLOGY 327: The Anthropology of Gender Sexualities Human sexuality is a very complex topic with several distinct components, including desires, practices, beliefs and attitudes, and identity. Human sexuality is clearly a product of both genetic and environmental factors. Twin studies focusing on homosexuality suggest a 40-60% contribution from either set of factors (the results vary depending on the study). The actual mechanisms for determination, both environmental and genetic, remain unclear at present. Human sexuality is bewildering in its variety and elaboration. Desire and practice vary along multiple dimensions which interact in complex ways. In consequence, we cannot adequately describe the full range of human sexuality with a single simple term. Sources for Human Sexuality Sexuality is one of the most closely regulated activities in every human society. It is therefore difficult to ascertain what is “natural” (biological) and what is cultural (learned). Anthropology has historically shared the general Western reticence regarding sex and has seldom made sexuality a central topic of research. Margaret Mead and a few others did some research on the topic and it is sometimes included in general ethnographic studies. Proper scholarly study of human sexuality really begins with Alfred Kinsey and continues through Masters and Johnson and the Social Science Survey Project. While there has been a dramatic increase in research on the topic in the past 30 years, it is still...
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...perspective and interpretation of the textbook: The Gift of Sex: A Guideline to Sexual Fulfillment (Penner & Penner, 2003). Discussed will be the topics of sexuality as a gift from God and what the Bible says about sexuality and the role of sex within the marriage. The topic of the physical dimensions will also be explored to include our bodies and discovering and sharing of our body, as well as, how our bodies work and the sexual responses. We will also discuss the experience of our sexuality and methods to explore and meet our and our partner’s sexual needs and desires. An exploration of the topic of sexual dysfunction will also be addressed and the methods of dealing with these issues. Lastly we will discuss the methods by which one may enhance their sexual experience to make it more meaningful and pleasurable. One’s sexuality and desire for intimacy is a gift from God and it is to be treated as such in accordance with God’s guidelines and laws. The Bible tells us in Genesis 1 27-28: “So God created man in His own image, in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them. God blessed them and said to them, “Be fruitful and increase in number”. (Holy Bible, NIV, 2003). The textbook: The Gift of Sex: A Guideline to Sexual Fulfillment states that the Bible refers to sexuality as a prized gift and that sex is designated for marriage because of the commitment that it is within. It also refers to sex as a relationship between two people...
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...Socio-Cultural Influences on Sexuality There is nothing that sparks a debate more than the topic of sexuality. The multitude of opinions in societies displays an attempt to define, promote, or control sexuality. Sexuality is a part of our humanity in which defines sex, gender identities, gender roles, sexual orientation, pleasure, intimacy, and instigates procreation. Though, sexuality is experienced and expressed through thoughts, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, roles, behaviours, and relationships; it is greatly influenced by societies, cultures, historical perspectives, religious perspectives, biological forces, psychological theories, ethics, morals, and legal factors. In the United States, known as the “melting pot” because of the mass amounts of cultural influences brought in by immigrants worldwide that now reside on its land; one of the biggest concerns in regards to sexuality are the social and public health challenges that influence sexual behaviours, attitudes, and beliefs. Sexual behavior in not just a personal matter between two people, but rather a theme that can affect society in terms of social expectations for sexual behaviors, gender identity, roles, stereotypes, and bias. Social Expectations on Sexual Behaviors “Sexuality is an important part of our lives” (King, 2012, p.1), currently and amongst the generations before us. Throughout history, sexual behaviours have been largely influenced by culture, religion, and historical perspectives...
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...Sexuality Research Paper Introduction: The question of sexuality is on that needs that needs thorough analysis in order to determine the implication brought about by the depiction of sex and sexuality through the use of print media. The depiction of human sexuality can be separated into two parts, male and female sexuality. These two forms vary according to the differences in the gender of the persons involved. Objective: The main objective of this paper is to study, keenly, the research methods used in two literatures, and to provide an analysis of the literatures on sexual imagery. The two literatures were compiled by different people to show how various forms of male and female sexuality are constructed in different publications. The two articles are similar because they both talk about the depiction of women in various forms of print advertisements especially in magazines. However, as Sexuality focuses mostly on the sexuality and people’s view of sex, as well as, their feelings and preferences in sex, The European Journal of Marketing, focuses mostly on the picture of women that is painted representing women as either sexual objects or feminine sexual goddesses. The European Journal of Marketing also focuses on the position of women and their sex roles in the community. In the article, the various sex roles that women play have been reviewed. It has also compared the power of women, in sex, over men, and that of men over women as well. *Fravid and Braun (2006) what...
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...Different psychiatrists have observed individuals for the development of personality. Each has resolved a view based on those observations. They have often been quite different from each other. Those differences lead to a completely different interpretation of adult behavior and its meanings. In addition, they separate theory based on what is most important to the psychiatrist. The development of personality is how an individual becomes that individual (Gerson, 1994). It includes the “stable and enduring patterns of thinking, feeling, and behaving” (Gerson, 1994, 2). Character forms by resolving conflicts of drives and tensions, and the pressures to conform and socialize. Psychoanalytic models of personality integrate innate predispositions with the environment and its impact. In these theories, parents act as models for ego, ego-ideal and superego. Introjection and identification are basic processes. The child develops partially based on the parents’ characteristics, and the ways in which conflicts with the parents are resolved. The stages in the child’s life when the interactions with parents take place area also part of the process. Sigmund Freud attached a sexual perspective to the entire human psyche (Gerson, 1994). He defined three components of a person: the id, the ego, and the superego. The conflicts between the three parts often conflicts, creating personality. When the conflicts are not treated, neuroses occur. Each person also has two drives or instincts that are...
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...SEX EDUCATION Human sexuality has biological, emotional/physical and spiritual aspects. The biological aspect of sexuality refers to the reproductive mechanism as well as the basic biological drive, Libido that exists in all species, which is hormonally controlled. The emotional or physical aspect of sexuality refers to the bond that exists between individuals, and is expressed through profound feelings or physical manifestations of emotions of love, trust, and caring. There is also a spiritual aspect of sexuality of an individual or as a connection with others. Experience has shown that adolescents are curious about some or all the aspects of their sexuality as well as the nature of sexuality in general, and that many will wish to experience their sexuality. What is sex education? It is instruction on issues relating to human sexuality, including human sexual anatomy, sexual reproduction, sexual intercourse, reproductive health, emotional relations, reproductive rights and responsibilities, abstinence, birth control, and other aspects of human sexual behavior. Common avenues for sex education are parents or caregivers, formal school programs, and public health campaigns. Sex education ('sex ed'), which is sometimes called sexuality education or sex and relationships education, is the process of acquiring information and forming attitudes and beliefs about sex, sexual identity, relationships and intimacy. Sex education is also about developing young people's skills so that...
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...which Freud’s theory of psychosexual development can help us to understand a client’s presenting issue” In this essay I am asked to evaluate one aspect of Freudian theory. I will begin by first describing Freud’s psychosexual theory and demonstrate an understanding of its relationship to adult neurotic behavior. Having done this I will examine some of the criticisms that have been levelled at Freudian theory in order to evaluate it. In 1905 Freud published ‘Three Essays on the theory of Sexuality and other Works’, one of these essays was titled ‘Infantile Sexuality’. In this essay Freud sets out his theory of psychosexual development. He asserts that there is in all humans an innate drive (or instinct>another theory to be debated) for pleasure, a sort of psychic energy, which he calls the libido and this energy needs to be discharged. He then goes on to describe how this drive finds outlet at the earliest stages in life, as babies, toddlers and infants and describes the oral, anal and phallic stages and the psychological effects of fixation at these stages. It is important to note that Freud separated sexual aims and objectives. What Freud meant by sexual in his own writing in German, was ‘life force’ or ‘emotional energy’ (Bettelheim 1983). While this concept has a sexual aspect to it, it is unfortunate that the English translation focuses mainly on this aspect. His work on sexuality and perversions led to the wider theory of sexuality whereby he differentiated the sexual...
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...Sexuality Education for Adolescents Ashley S. Brown Nevada State College Adolescents are in need of preparedness in regards to self identity especially in terms of sexuality. Sex is a taboo subject especially when considering adolescents. Parents tend to be afraid that discussing sex will encourage their adolescent children to want to engage in sexual activities. Adolescents are being influenced by not only by factors such as socioeconomic status, the media and their peers, but also a lack of a relationship with their parents (Asampong, Osafo, Bingenheimer, & Ahiadeke, 2013). The subject of adolescent sexuality and sexual education and development begs for there to be clear communication between the parents and the adolescent, but often that is not the case. According to a poll conducted in 2004, ninety-three percent of Americans approved of sex education being taught in schools (“Sex education,” 2014). Because parents are not necessarily equipped with the education to communicate with their children about sexual education and development, professionals can provide that information (“Developing adolescents,” 2002). I chose to interview my former teacher Ms. Michelle Jones. She has taught elementary school students, middle school students, college students and she is currently an assistant principal. Ms. Jones explained that she feels that as an educator, she is responsible for providing information to her students about all aspects of life. Her...
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