CHAPTER 15
Gender and Sexuality
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
To demonstrate mastery of this chapter, the student should be able to:
1. Distinguish between the terms “sex” and “gender.” Differentiate primary from secondary sex characteristics and state (in general) what causes them.
2. Define or describe the following terms or concepts:
a. menarche
b. ovulation
c. menopause
d. gonads
e. estrogen
f. androgens
g. testosterone
3. List and describe the five dimensions of sex.
4. Explain how a person’s sex develops. Include in your discussion a description of these conditions:
a. androgen insensitivity
b. intersexual person
c. androgenital syndrome
d. biological biasing effect
e. X chromosomes and Y chromosomes
5. Differentiate gender identity from gender role and explain how gender identity is formed.
6. Describe the relationship between sex and intelligence.
7. Discuss whether there are universal psychological differences between males and females.
8. Define “gender role stereotypes.” Discuss how these stereotypes ignore the “diversity of humanity.”
The following objective is related to the material in the “Discovering Psychology” section of the text.
9. Discuss why women who are successful at “men’s work” are considered less likable.
10. Describe the effects of socialization on gender roles and include a discussion of instru-mental and expressive behaviors.
11. Discuss the concept of androgyny and its relationship to masculinity, femininity, and adaptability.
12. Describe the development of sexual behavior in humans and show how cultural norms influence that development. Define the term “erogenous zones.”
13. Explain the concept of a sexual script.
14. Discuss the differences between males and females and their degree of arousal to erotic stimuli.
15. Explain what causes increases in sex drives in males and females.
16. Describe the effects of castration, sterilization, and aging on the sex drive.
17. Discuss the frequency, importance, normality, and acceptability of masturbation.
18. Describe the factors that determine one’s sexual orientation.
19. Describe the effect of heredity and hormones on one’s sexual orientation.
20. Discuss homosexuality in terms of incidence, acceptability, psychological normality, and when homosexuals develop their sexual orientation.
21. Define the terms “homophobia” and “heterosexism” and describe their significance to homosexuals.
22. List in order and briefly describe the four phases of sexual response in women and men.
23. Discuss the debate concerning possible differences between vaginal and clitoral orgasms and how the issue has been resolved.
24. Describe what is known concerning gender differences in sexual response styles in these two areas: rate of passage through the sexual phases and sexual responsiveness.
25. Explain the difference between public and private standards of sexual behavior.
26. Explain what sets true sexual deviations apart from other sexual activity.
27. Define “paraphilia” and list and define eight paraphilias.
28. Describe exhibitionism, including who the offenders are, why they do it, and how one’s reactions may encourage them.
29. Describe child molestation, including who does it, what the offenders are like, and the factors that affect the seriousness of the molestation.
30. List seven signs that indicate possible child molestation.
31. Briefly describe ways that children can be taught to protect themselves against molestation.
32. List six tactics of child molesters.
33. Briefly discuss the damaging effects of child molestation on the victim.
34. List the two characteristics that emerge in the picture of sexual deviance.
35. List or describe four changes that have taken place in sexual attitudes or behavior that lead some people to label the differences a sexual revolution.
36. Summarize the current status of the sexual revolution. Explain how your answer reflects on the position of the double standard in our society.
37. Describe how the changing sexual attitudes and values of the society interact with one’s personal freedom. Include the term “acquaintance rape.”
38. Describe the research demonstrating the relationship between gender role stereotyping and rape.
39. List and discuss five rape myths.
40. Explain why rape is not viewed by experts as primarily a sexual act.
41. Briefly describe what is currently known about the factors affecting the spread of AIDS. Include in your answer a discussion of “at risk” groups, risky behaviors, and the impact that AIDS has on sexual practices.
42. Describe the following sexual problems, including the nature, cause, and treatment of each:
a. desire disorders
i. hypoactive sexual desire
ii. sexual aversion
b. arousal disorders
i. male erectile disorder (include the term psychogenic)
ii. female sexual arousal disorder
c. orgasm disorders
i. female orgasmic disorder
ii. male orgasmic disorder
iii. premature ejaculation
d. sexual pain disorders
i. dyspareunia
ii. vaginismus
43. Explain what is meant by referring to sex as a form of communication within a relationship.
44. List the four elements of a healthy sexual relationship.
45. List seven techniques that can be used to facilitate healthy communication in a relationship.