9: Sexuality

Reading 1. What Americans Believe about Sex

Think back to your childhood and how the topics of sex and sexual health were addressed in your household and school. What aspects were covered and what messages (either spoken or implied) were communicated about appropriate sexual behavior? Almost all of us have a story to tell when it comes to our early introduction to one of the most normative of human experiences. That early exposure often leaves a lasting impression on our approach to adult sexual health and practices. At Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion, researchers investigated the sex lives of more than 4,000 adolescents and adults throughout the U.S. and discovered a wide range of practices. While many choose to keep such personal activities private, it is clear from survey respondents that Americans, as a whole, are both sexually active and adventurous. And yet, the public discourse on sex remains quite conflicted and, in many ways, inhibited. In the reading above, consider how U.S. views on sex have evolved since the sexual revolution of the 1960’s. Think about how such views may have influenced what you were taught about sex and healthy sexual practices. Also, do you foresee changes in perspectives as technology continues to permeate our lives?

Key Concepts: Purpose of Sex, Sexual Ethics, Sexual Revolution (1960’s), Generational Differences

Reading 2. The Study of Human Sexuality

Much of what we know about the human sexual response cycle comes from the immensely popular work of Dr. William Masters and Virginia Johnson -- who observed and documented sexual intercourse in their lab beginning in the 1950’s. They explored the mechanics of arousal and orgasm and used their knowledge to inform new treatments for sexual dysfunction. Their work was not without controversy but it opened up discussion about the human body’s physiological response in a consensual encounter. Researchers, who have continued the investigation of human sexuality, have gone on to refine the model of sexual response and delineate further differences between men and women. New perspectives suggest that the attempt to condense the richness of human sexuality down to hormonal changes, blood flow, muscle spasms, and release of tension is inadequate. Newer efforts at the Kinsey Institute for instance, aim to explain the role of love and connection with sexuality. It is worth noting that the groundbreaking work of Dr. Alfred Kinsey, who began surveying Americans about their sexuality in the 1940’s, opened the door to understanding this fundamental aspect of humanity. As you read about the four phases of the human sexual response cycle, consider what aspects of sexuality are missing from this perspective. Do you think the methods used in Masters’ and Johnson’s research might have skewed the results?

Key Concepts: Excitement Phase, Plateau Phase, Orgasm, Resolution Phase

Reading 3: Sexual Dysfunction in Men and Women

One of the interesting revelations from the work of Masters and Johnson was that, prior to their discoveries, knowledge of the female anatomy and sexual response were particularly misunderstood. Now 60 years later, is it safe to assume that the medical world is far more advanced in the knowledge of female sexuality? According to the International Society for the Study of Women’s Sexual Health, female sexual disorders have been largely ignored, historically. There are no specific medical treatments for women while men enjoy 24 FDA approved options for sexual dysfunction. Yet, sexual dysfunction is MORE common in women than men. Do you think this disparity could be explained by continued misunderstanding of female sexuality? Or do you think, as the author suggests, that there is an ongoing gender bias when it comes to valuing certain sexual experiences over others? Aside from cultural bias, what psychological and physiological influences should be considered to address the gender gap in treatment of sexual dysfunction?

Key Concepts: Hypoactive Sexual Desire Disorder (HSDD), Erectile Dysfunction (ED), Pharmacologic Treatment

Reading 4: Sex education to prevent sexual violence

"The insight I came to is that I think there’s a tendency for us to look at these cases as isolated incidents of a bad person doing bad things, particularly when it’s sexual in nature," he said. "After hearing the #MeToo stories and reading about this, I’m not sure these are isolated incidents, and I think they have less to do with sex and more to do with power and the abuse of power."

Gluckman, Nell (November 2017) How one college has set out to fix ‘a culture of blatant sexual harassment. The Chronicle of Higher Education

According to the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN), every 98 seconds a person is sexually assaulted. Equally alarming is the fact that only 6 of every 1,000 rapists is imprisoned for the crime. While sexuality can be a very fulfilling aspect of humanity, there is a clear dark side. The quote above suggests that sexual deviance has permeated culture in a way that almost normalizes bad behavior. Many want to understand why harassment and assault have been allowed to infiltrate nearly all segments of society. Stanford’s Clayman Institute for Gender Research has recently embarked on a study to break the culture of sexual assault. Anita Hill, Esq. who famously brought her claims of sexual harassment to the Supreme Court in 1991, was appointed in 2017 to head a new Hollywood commission to combat sexual misconduct. Yet, might the answer to addressing rates of harassment and assault lie in prevention through improved sex education? Review the article above to gain further insight into the culture of sexual deviance and how educating young people may go a long way to reduce the incidence of sexual assault and harassment.

Key Concepts: Risk-reducing Behaviors, Abstinence Only, Sexually Transmitted Infections, Assertiveness Skills, Human Rights, Harmful Practices

Reading 5: Sexual Orientation & Homosexuality

Sexuality is not a one-stop shop where one size fits all. Just as individuals are diverse, expression of sexuality spans a wide spectrum. Attitudes are slowly changing to embrace this wide net of sexual expression. It was only in 1975 that the American Psychological Association began to denounce conversion therapy and the stigma associated with homosexuality. Discrimination is still prevalent as some claim homosexuality is counter to religious beliefs. Misconceptions also abound about the nature of such relationships – often diminishing them to being simply sexual and lacking in the complexity of heterosexual relationships. In the reading above, explore the true nature of homosexual relationships. Consider how prejudice and discrimination continue to impact individuals in their daily lives. How does embracing one’s sexuality (rather than hiding or suppressing it) affect mental health?

Key Concepts: Coming Out, Parenting, Stigma, Psychological Impact of Discrimination and Prejudice, Stability and Commitment

Reflections

1. In the United States, what sexual practices are considered normal? What sexual practices are generally considered abnormal?
2. What cultural variables seem to perpetuate shame and guilt associated with some forms of sexual expression?
3. How have U.S. views of sexuality changed since the sexual revolution of the 1960’s? Which views have remained the same?
4. What are the biological mechanisms underlying the human sexual response cycle?
5. Do you agree with the research methods used by Masters and Johnson? What might you have done differently to learn about human sexual behaviors?
6. What factors lead to sexual dysfunction in men and women?
7. Why do you think there are FDA approved treatments for male sexual dysfunction but none for females?
8. Do you agree that we live in a culture that allows for the proliferation of sexual harassment and assault? Why or why not?
9. In what ways could effective sex education reduce the incidence of sexual harassment and assault?
10. What could every individual do to diminish prejudice and discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community?