Showing papers on "Human sexuality published in 1987"

No Magic Bullet: A Social History of Venereal Disease in the United States Since 1880

Abstract: From Victorian anxieties about syphilis to the current hysteria over herpes and AIDS, the history of venereal disease in America forces us to examine social attitudes as well as purely medical concerns. In No Magic Bullet, Allan M. Brandt recounts the various medical, military, and public health responses that have arisen over the years--a broad spectrum that ranges from the incarceration of prostitutes during World War I to the establishment of required premarital blood tests. Brandt demostrates that Americans' concerns about venereal disease have centered around a set of social and cultural values related to sexuality, gender, ethnicity, and class. At the heart of our efforts to combat these infections, he argues, has been the tendency to view venereal disease as both a punishment for sexual misconduct and an index of social decay. This tension between medical and moral approaches has significantly impeded efforts to develop "magic bullets"--drugs that would rid us of the disease--as well as effective policies for controlling the infections' spread.

Adolescent homosexuality: psychosocial and medical implications.

Abstract: Despite a widespread interest in the health of the gay community, the psychosocial and medical problems of gay and bisexual adolescents have not been adequately investigated. In this study, 29 gay and bisexual male teenagers participated in anonymous and confidential interviews regarding the impact of sexuality on family, employment, education, peers, intimate relationships, and physical and mental health. The majority of subjects experienced school problems related to sexuality, substance abuse, and/or emotional difficulties warranting mental health interventions. In addition, nearly half of the subjects reported a history of sexually transmitted diseases, running away from home, or conflict with the law. A minority had been victims of sexual assaults or involved in prostitution. Those less than 18 years of age experienced higher rates of psychiatric hospitalization, substance abuse, high school drop-out, and conflict with the law than did older participants. Various explanations for the prevalence of these problems and their implications for health professionals are discussed.

Neurohormonal functioning and sexual orientation: a theory of homosexuality-heterosexuality.

Abstract: Following a historical sketch of attempts to explain homosexuality, we review evidence indicating that the process of determining human sexual orientation is fundamentally the same in all mammals. In this process, four phenotypic dimensions of sexuality develop from two more or less distinct sex genotypes. Studies are reviewed that indicate how phenotypic deviations from these two genotypes (called sexual inversions) can occur. The causes of sexual inversions are categorized as genetic-hormonal, pharmacological, maternal stress, immunological, and social experiential. From this evidence, we propose a theory of how the entire spectrum of human sexual orientation (vs. simply homosexuality) is determined. A consistent preference for sexual relations with one's own sex (homosexuality), the opposite sex (heterosexuality), or varying degrees of ambivalence about the partner's sex (bisexuality) may be called sexual orientation. Homosexuality should not be confused with occasional homosexual experiences. Homosexual experiences are fairly common, especially early in adolescence (Chilman, 1983, p. 18; Kinsey, 1941) or in the absence of alternative sexual outlets (Aldridge, 1983; Groth & Burgess, 1980) and are no more indicative of homosexuality than occasional heterosexual experiences are indicative of heterosexuality. An individual's sexual orientation refers to distinct preferences consistently made after puberty in the presence of clear alternatives, whereas isolated instances of sexual behavior may or may not reflect one's sexual orientation (Gadpaille, 1972, p. 193).

The influence of the family on premarital sexual attitudes and behavior

Abstract: This research has expanded our understanding of the determinants of adolescent sexuality in several directions. We have used a study of mothers and children to construct and estimate a model of the intergenerational transmission of sexual attitudes and behavior. With data collected from both mothers and children, we were able to proceed further than most past research and to consider both the attitudes and behaviors of mothers as reported by the mothers themselves. These data permitted an investigation of the determinants of maternal attitudes concerning adolescent sexuality as well as an examination of the influences of the attitudes and experiences of mothers on the attitudes, perceptions, and behavior of children. Obviously, limiting the study to white families prevents generalization of our findings to other subgroups of the population. The findings demonstrate the importance and relevance of parental and adolescent attitudes in understanding adolescent sexuality. Premarital sexuality is a salient issue to both young people and their parents. There are, however, very important and substantial differences in the attitudes of parents and children. On average, the attitudes of young people today are much less restrictive than those of their parents, reflecting either life cycle differences or the impact of social change. The intergenerational difference is recognized by young people themselves and probably affects the ability of parents to assist their maturing children in adjusting to and dealing with their sexuality--a difficulty likely to be reflected in the relative lack of success sexually active young people have in preventing pregnancy. Our findings also add to the research literature in demonstrating that although children, on average, have more permissive attitudes than their parents, the attitudes of individual parents tend to be reflected in the attitudes of individual children. Children whose mothers have less restrictive attitudes have, on average, less restrictive attitudes themselves. Further, the attitudes of mothers are also reflected in the behavior of their children, so on average, mothers with more permissive attitudes have children who are more sexually active. The influence of maternal attitudes, however, is stronger for children's attitudes than for their behavior. Of course, variability in children's attitudes and behavior--and even their perceptions of maternal attitudes--can only be partially explained by the attitudes of their mothers; but presumably, if the attitudes of other important family members, including fathers and siblings, were known, the prediction of adolescent attitudes would improve.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)

The Cultural Construction of Sexuality

Abstract: Illustrates the argument that sexuality is not a 'thing in itself' but a concept that can only be understood with reference to economic, political and social factors.

Misperceptions of Friendly Behavior as Sexual Interest: A Survey of Naturally Occurring Incidents

Abstract: The studies described in this article examine retrospective reports of naturally occurring misperceptions of friendliness as sexual interest. Previous research has demonstrated that men perceive other people and situations more sexually than women do. The purpose of this research was to examine how this gender difference in perceptions of sexuality is exhibited in actual interactions between women and men. Two surveys of undergraduates were conducted. The results indicated that a large percentage of both women and men had experienced such misperceptions, although more women had than men. Most of these incidents were quickly resolved without problems; however, others involved some degree of forced sexual activity and left the individual feeling angry, humiliated, and depressed. Gender differences in the characteristics of these incidents and reactions to them are described. The implications of these findings for future research on gender differences in perceptions of sexual intent are discussed.

Out of Bounds: Women, Sport and Sexuality

Abstract: Feminist Helen Lenskyj presents an insightful examination of the links between women's participation in sports and the control of their reproductive capacity and sexuality. She identifies the female frailty myth, the illusion of male athletic superiority, and the concept of compulsory heterosexuality as powerful determinants of'masculinity' and 'femininity' in the realm of sport. Looking at developments from the 1880s to the present, Lenskyj discusses medical views of women's health and physical potential and examines the social attitudes and practices that keep girls and women from participating in the full range of sports and physical activities. Topics include contact sports, self-defence, fitness, bodybuilding, and women-only sports. Photographs, memorabilia and eye-opening information from past and present reveal the missing links between women, sport, and sexuality.

Sex At Work: The Power and Paradox of Organization Sexuality

Abstract: Discusses sexuality and power in the context of the organization and the workplace. Part I introduces key concepts and contributions in the study of sexuality and organizational life. Part II focuses on questions of power and dialectics. Part III describes the paradoxical occurrence of the qualities of organization and sexuality. This revised editi

Family characteristics and long-term consequences associated with sexual abuse.

Abstract: As opposed to father—daughter incest, little attention has been paid to the long-term consequences and family dynamics associated with child sexual abuse of females perpetrated by extended family members or extrafamilial contacts. Female undergraduates (n = 586) completed questionnaires on family history, sexual experiences, and current functioning. Results confirmed other research suggesting that father—daughter incest is associated with a traditional patriarchal family structure. However, sexual abuse overall, regardless of perpetrator, was associated with certain uniform family characteristics. Moreover, sexual abuse had certain long-term consequences, regardless of perpetrator. These results suggest the importance of attention to family characteristics in all cases of child sexual abuse.

The Effects of Clothing and Dyad Sex Composition on Perceptions of Sexual Intent: Do Women and Men Evaluate These Cues Differently

Abstract: The effects of clothing revealingness and dyad-sex composition on perceptions of male- and female-stimulus persons'sexuality were examined. Based on Abbey's (1982) findings, we hypothesized that men would attribute more sexuality to both male and female targets than women would. Furthermore, we predicted that the difference between men's and women's sexuality ratings would be most divergent when a malefemale dyad was presented and when the female stimulus person wore revealing clothing. A laboratory study was conducted in which subjects viewed a photograph of two students in a classroom. As predicted, male subjects rated female targets as more sexy and seductive than did female subjects. Also as predicted, female targets who wore revealing clothing were rated as more sexy and seductive than those wearing nonrevealing clothing. Female targets were rated higher on sexual traits regardless of the gender of their partner. Men did not consistently perceive male stimulus persons more sexually than women did. Finally, both female and male targets were perceived as more kind and warm when they wore nonrevealing clothing. The implications of these findings for person perception and date rape research are described. Abbey (1982) found that, as compared to women, men rated both female and male stimulus persons as more seductive and promiscuous. Men also expressed more sexual attraction to opposite-sex targets than women did. Based on these findings, Abbey argued that men are inclined to perceive friendliness as a sign of seduction, perhaps because of a general socialized expectancy that leads them to interpret ambiguous stimuli as evidence of sexual intent. Even a cursory examination of our mass media's presentations of women and men demonstrates how men are taught to be concerned with women's physical attractiveness and sexual availability. Similarly, Gross (1978) theorized that sex role socialization causes men to value sex more than women do. If women and men can observe the same opposite-sex dyad yet interpret the

Cultural Practices Contributing to the Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Africa

Abstract: Differences between the epidemiology of AIDS cases in Africa and that in Western societies have prompted speculation regarding risk factors that may be unique to Africa. Because of the age and sex distribution of AIDS cases in Africa, emphasis has been placed on sexual transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Factors thought to influence this sexual transmission include (1) promiscuity, with a high prevalence of sexually transmitted disease; (2) sexual practices that have been associated with increased risk of transmission of AIDS virus (homosexuality and anal intercourse); and (3) cultural practices that are possibly connected with increased virus transmission (female "circumcision" and infibulation). Other nonsexual cultural practices that do not fit the age distribution pattern of AIDS but may expose individuals to HIV include (1) practices resulting in exposure to blood (medicinal bloodletting, rituals establishing "blood brotherhood," and possibly ritual and medicinal enemas); (2) practices involving the use of shared instruments (injection of medicines, ritual scarification, group circumcision, genital tatooing, and shaving of body hair); and (3) contact with nonhuman primates. At the current time promiscuity seems to be the most important cultural factor contributing to the transmission of HIV in Africa.

Male homosexuality: the adolescent's perspective.

Abstract: Although homosexual activity is prevalent among US teenagers, adolescent homosexuality per se has been a poorly understood phenomenon. The purpose of this investigation is to describe the meaning and experience of homosexuality from the adolescent's perspective. Twenty-nine male teenagers, self-described as gay (79%) or bisexual (21%), volunteered to participate in a structured interview, the purpose of which was to examine the definition of homosexuality, the acquisition of a gay identity, and the impact of sexuality on family, peers, and community. The youths demonstrated well-established sexual identities by the consistency of their sexual fantasies, interests, and behaviors over time. Homosexuality was more frequently described as a general attraction to men (48%) and an indicator of positive personal attributes (33%) than as an isolated sexual behavior. The subjects reported strong negative attitudes from parents (43%) and friends (41%) toward their sexualities. Discrimination (37%), verbal abuse from peers (55%), and physical assaults (30%) were frequently cited problems. These stressors may place the boys at high risk for physical and psychosocial dysfunction.

Misperception Among Gay Men of the Risk for AIDS Associated with Their Sexual Behavior1

Abstract: Until a vaccine against AIDS is developed, the most effective strategy for preventing the spread of the disease among gay men, the largest risk group, is to persuade them to abstain from particular kinds of sexual practices implicated in the transmission of the AIDS virus. Motivation to comply with risk-reduction guidelines, however, is dependent in part on a realistic appraisal of the degree of risk associated with one's sexual practices. Data are presented from 160 asymptomatic gay men. Their subjective assessment of the riskiness of their sexual behavior is compared to an objective assessment of the riskiness of their sexual practices. Factors associated with a tendency to underestimate the riskiness of one's practices are examined. Finally, the implications of the findings for public health education efforts among gay men are discussed.

In Search of Eve: Transsexual Rites of Passage

Abstract: An absorbing account of the sociocultural aspects of gender transition. . . . [a] carefully crafted, clearly written monograph which scholars of both sexuality and gender can profitably read. Contemporary Sociology A fascinating study, perceptive and well written, an excellent piece of work. Martin S. Weinberg, Indiana University Anne Bolin illuminates the array of social, psychological and physical changes experienced by a group of people in the process of changing gender.

Psychiatrist-patient sexual contact: results of a national survey, II: Psychiatrists' attitudes.

Abstract: In a national random-sample survey of 1,423 practicing psychiatrists, the overwhelming majority of the respondents (98%) said that therapist-patient sexual contact is always inappropriate and usually harmful to the patient However, 296% said that such contact after termination of therapy might sometimes be acceptable Psychiatrists who acknowledged having had sexual contact with one or more patients (N = 84) differed markedly from their peers in their attitudes The majority (74%) of these offenders believed that sexual contact could be appropriate after termination; many apparently rationalized their behavior in this manner The authors discuss the need for systematic professional education on the subject

Sex differences in sexuality among medical students: Effects of increasing socioeconomic status

Abstract: Research has consistently shown that, compared to men, women are more cautious and selective and maintain greater marital aspirations in entering and maintaining sexual relationships. One explanation of this sex difference is that women have traditionally had inferior access to earning power and social status and consequently were forced to acquire socioeconomic status (SES) through their choice of marriage partners. A contrasting view is that this difference is a component of the basic sex difference identified in the Kinsey studies: Men are more likely than women to dissociate coitus from emotional attachment and to desire and seek coitus with a variety of partners. These two explanations were explored in open-ended interviews with matched samples of 20 male and 20 female medical students. The results were more consistent with the perspective of basic sex differences than with the differential resources explanation. Increasing female SES does not appear to eliminate or even substantially reduce this sex difference. Increasing SES tends to enlarge the pool of acceptable, available sexual and marital partners for men while it tends to reduce the pool for women. Increasing SES thus tends to have different effects on men and women and may cause sex differences in the tendency to associate coitus with emotional attachments and marital aspirations to be more, rather than less, apparent. Extensive case data with verbatim quotations are presented to reveal the emotions and desires underlying subjects' overt behavior.

Women and prostitution : a social history

Abstract: In this time of heated debate over pornography in general and prostitution in particular, Vern and Bonnie Bullough present a fascinating look at the social and historical context of the 'world's oldest profession'. "Women and Prostitution" is a panorama of the forms and practices prostitution has assumed in many cultures over many centuries. Based on the assumption that one cannot understand prostitution without first understanding the role of women in society, this volume is the first comprehensive treatment of the historical, sociological, and anthropological background of prostitution. The authors expose the inextricable interweaving of scores of cultural dilemmas: women as property, pornography and the fear of sexuality, religion and promiscuity, sex and social class, and the control of venereal disease. The book conveys the tragedy and humor, the fortitude and cunning, the veniality and generosity, the real and counterfeit sensuality, and the hypocrisy and pathos that surround the lives of prostitutes. The beautiful, the powerful, the talented, and the most outrageous are here: Lais, Tamar, Pompadour, Du Barry, Emma Hamilton, Lola Montez and Calamity Jane. But in addition to these tales of the illustrious, these pages are filled with the experiences of the anonymous and the abused. "Women and Prostitution" is important reading for feminists, police, religious leaders, civil libertarians, the general public, and prostitutes themselves. All will benefit from this useful, sympathetic and illuminating book.

Adolescent Religiosity and Contraceptive Usage.

Abstract: Religiosity appears to be an important factor in explaining variations in sexual activity and contraceptive usage among adolescents. While adolescents religious commitment diminishes their propensity to engage in sexual intercourse it is associated with less effective contraceptive usage among those who do become sexually active. The data used in the present analysis were collected as part of an intergenerational panel study of mothers and children in which families were selected by a sample of the July 1961 birth records of 1st 2nd and 4th-born white children in the Detroit metropolitan area. In addition to an initial personal interview with the mothers 5 telephone reinterviews were obtained over an 18-year period. In 1980 a full personal interview was also conducted with the child born in 1961. Results from logistic regression analysis controlling for frequency of recent sexual activity parental socioeconomic status and parental marital stability determined that never-married sexually experienced taeenage girls regularly attending religious services were less likely to have used an effective medical method of contraception than those who were rarely attending religious services. There was a striking difference in exposure to sexual relations among frequent and infrequent church attenders. Of those never-married young women who attended religious services once or more/week 38.8% had had sexual intercourse. In contrast 65.4% of those who went to church less than monthly had experienced sexual relations. Adolescents expressed commitment to religion appears to be related to sexyak exoeruebce Religious affiliation does not appear to play an important role determining sexual ecperience.

Inhibited sexual desire in women

Abstract: A multifaceted study was conducted to identify differences in biopsychosocial characteristics between a clinical group of 59 married women who complained of inhibited sexual desire (ISD) and 31 married women who expressed normal sexual desire (non-ISD) Areas of examination included personality, endocrine, relationship, and sexual dimensions Instruments of data collection included the MMPI, Dyadic Adjustment Scale, radioimmunoassay of testosterone and prolactin levels, and a questionnaire which focused on demographic, relationship, and sexual information Statistical analyses indicated nonsignificant between-group differences on demographic characteristics, personality variables, and hormonal evaluation Statistically significant differences were found between the two groups with regard to sexual history and several marital and sexual dimensions The ISD group reported significantly greater dissatisfaction with these areas than the non-ISD group Implications for clinical practice and research are discussed

Family communication and the sexual behavior and attitudes of college students

Abstract: Ninety-five college students and both of their parents completed questionnaires that measured sexual attitudes, sexual behavior, general family communication, and parent-child communication about sex. Generally, parents and children from high sexual communication families had sexual attitudes that were significantly correlated whereas those from low sexual communication families did not, although this relationship was not apparent for fathers and daughters. The quality of family communication seemed unrelated to the extent of family sexual discussions, although the parents' reports on the quality of general family communication was significantly related to sexual inexperience, particularly for males. Contraceptive use for females was significantly related to the extent of parent-child communication about sex reported by the student. General family communication as well as parent-child discussion about sex both seem important factors in the study of family impact on sexuality.

Love and Sexual Attitudes, Self-Disclosure and Sensation Seeking

Abstract: Love and sexuality are phenomena of central importance to certain types of intimate relationships. Although love has been a mainstream relationship variable in research, sexuality has often been explored only peripherally within a relationship context. Based on previous findings and using newly developed measures of love attitudes, sexual attitudes and self-disclosure, the present study explored the relation between love and sexuality and their mutual relations with self-disclosure and sensation seeking. Results (n = 218) indicated substantial correlations between love and sex attitudes, and between those variables and self-disclosure to a lover and to a friend, the ability to elicit self-disclosure, and sensation seeking. Males differed from females on only seven of 114 correlations, suggesting gender similarity in the pattern of variable relations. Such correlational evidence is helpful in interpreting mean differences between the sexes for several variables in this study and in previous research. This ...

Incest and Sexuality: A Guide to Understanding and Healing

Abstract: This book is based on in-depth interviews and the author's workshops for partners across the country. It offers practical advice and encouragement to all partners-girlfriends and boyfriends, spouses and lovers – trying to support the survivors in their lives while tending to their own needs along the way. This book teaches parents and professionals about the effects of all types of childhood trauma – car accidents, natural disasters, domestic violence, child sexual abuse, medical emergencies, etc. The author offers a blueprint for restoring a child's sense of safety and balance. This third edition speaks directly to survivors in a warm and personal way – it advances the empowerment of survivors in a major way, from breaking the silence to sharing recovery. It is an inspiring and comprehensive guide that offers hope and encouragement to every woman who was sexually abused as a child – and those who care about her. This book, written by a psychiatrist, provides a feminist analysis exposing the abuse of power in relationships between fathers and their daughters. The work presented here is valuable to everyone who has been the victims of such incest, those whose families have been shattered, and specialists working with such clients, because it offers help and healing. This small children's book is the story of Tess, an 11-year old girl who was sexually abused by her Uncle Shawn. The book describes the psychological manipulation used by the perpetrator and gives a look inside the victim's thought processes as she struggles with whether to disclose the abuse. Information is presented in a frank yet sensitive way that assists victims and family members who want to provide the support a sexual abuse victim needs. This book provides survivors with concrete help regarding their feelings, thoughts, and behaviors about their own sexuality – encouraging the survivor to view their reactions to the abuse as adaptive rather than maladaptive. It is a valuable tool that enhances the survivors' strengths as they struggle to heal. This children's book is a tool-it is meant to be shared/read by child advocate/therapist/caretaker to the child. The paintings and prose will trigger images that will provide bridges to encapsulated frozen experiences.

The Boundaries of Eros: Sex Crime and Sexuality in Renaissance Venice

Abstract: Utilizing the records of several Venetian courts that dealt with sex crimes, Ruggiero traces the evolution of both licit and illicit sexuality during the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Through this examination of illicit sexuality, Ruggiero sheds light on the institutions, languages, social life, and values not only of this shadow-culture, but also of Venetian society and, ultimately, the Renaissance itself.

Sex and the emergence of sexuality.

Abstract: Some years ago a collection of historical and philosophical essays on sex was advertised under the slogan: Philosophers are interested in sex again. Since that time the history of sexuality has become an almost unexceptionable topic, occasioning as many books and articles as anyone would ever care to read. Yet there are still fundamental conceptual problems that get passed over imperceptibly when this topic is discussed, passed over, at least in part, because they seem so basic or obvious that it would be time badly spent to worry too much about them. However, without backtracking toward this set of problems, one will quite literally not know what one is writing the history of when one writes a history of sexuality. An excellent example of some of the most sophisticated current writing in this field can be found in Western Sexuality, a collection of essays that resulted from a seminar conducted by Philippe Aries at the Ecole des Hautes Etudes en Sciences Sociales in 1979-80.1 As one would expect, Western Sexuality is characterized by a diversity of methodological and historiographical approaches--social history, intellectual history, cultural history (which one historian I know refers to as the history of bad ideas), historical sociology, the analysis of literary texts, and that distinctive kind of history practiced by Michel Foucault and also in evidence in the short essay by Paul Veyne. One perspective virtually absent from this collection