Chapter 11 Gender & Human Sexuality
Sex…
Ovum + sperm cell “X” = female OR Ovum + sperm cell “Y” = male Females > XX Males > XY
• Sex - the biological aspects of being male or female
–Sex differences are physical differences
Physical Dimensions of Sex
Sex Dimensions 1. 2. 3. 4. Chromosomes Gonads Hormones External genitalia Male XY Testes Androgens Penis, scrotum Prostate, seminal vesicles, vas deferens Beard, low voice, sperm emission Heterosexual, gay, bisexual Female XX Ovaries Estrogens Labia, clitoris, vaginal opening Vagina, uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix Breasts, menstruation Heterosexual, lesbian, bisexual
5. Internal accessory organs 6. Secondary sex characteristics 7. Sexual orientation
Human Reproductive Structures
•Gender - the psychological and sociocultural meanings added to biological sex
Male & FemaleMasculine & Feminine
Gender Assumption: identifying a person as same sex as self or other sex Gender identity: psychological and subjective sense of being male or female Gender role: cultural norms and attitudes for male & female behavior
Social Learning Influences on Gender
According to Social Learning Theory-we form our gender identity as a result of social and cultural models and influences that we’re exposed to during our early devp
Cognitive development theory argues that children develop gender schemas on gender roles
• Cognitive abilities
Gender Differences
– Females score higher on verbal skills – Males score higher on math, visual-spatial skills
• Aggression
– Males exhibit greater physical aggressiveness – Females are higher on relational aggression
Gender RolesGender-Based Stereotypes
North American Males
Independent Aggressive Assertive Logical Unemotional Independent Dominant Competitive Objective Athletic Active Competent
North American Females
Nonassertive Illogical Emotional Subordinate Warm Nurturing
Sexual Orientation • sexual attraction to one’s own sex = homosexual, a.k.a. gay or lesbian OR • sexual attraction to the other sex = heterosexual, a.k.a. straight
OR
• attraction to both same-sex and other-sex partners = bisexual
How Many People are Gay?
Exclusively
Heterosexual
Varying mixtures of orientation and/or experience
Exclusively
Homosexual
Sexual Arousal Cycle Masters & Johnson
vasocongestion: blood engorges (fills) body tissues
myotonia: increased muscle tension
Technologies in Sex Research
PENILE STRAIN GAUGE
VAGINAL PHOTOPLETHYSMOGRAPH
Sexual Arousal Cycle Masters & Johnson
1. 2. 3. 4. Excitement Plateau Orgasm, Resolution - Refractory
Sexual Difficulties
– Desire – Frequency – Excitement – Female Arousal – Erectile Dysfunction – Orgasm – Pre-mature ejaculation – Pain
(aka impotence) – 30 mil. Amer. men
• Lack of an erection sufficiently rigid for penetrative intercourse to the satisfaction of both partners for 6 to 12 months
– Acquired - has had previous
erections w/ partner
Male Erectile Dysfunction
– Lifelong – attempted but never
experienced maintained penetration throughout life
Male Erectile Dysfunction
Incidence w/ age
Premature Ejaculation (PE)
•Inability to consistently control orgasm to either partner’s satisfaction
Specific Suggestions for Men
• Simple strategies for delaying ejaculation:
–More frequent ejaculation –Use woman above position >
Squeeze Technique
• 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
Drug Actions on Sexuality
Sexually Transmitted Diseases