Exam 8: Sexuality and Society

Why would societies seek to control human sexuality? Why would some societies be more permissive than others?

Sociologists point out that human sexual behaviour is very similar across all cultures.

Quick Quiz: Short Answer Question -State two common myths about rape. Explain why these beliefs are wrong.

Primary sex characteristics refer to reproductive organs.

The fact that many people are bisexual demonstrates that sexual orientation is often not clear-cut.

Apply the three theoretical approaches to the topic of sexuality. What are important insights provided by the structural-functional, symbolic-interaction, and social-conflict approaches?

Assume you are investigating the consequences of the incest taboo for kinship organization in a number of societies. Which theoretical approach are you using?

How does sexuality play a part in social inequality? Consider factors including prostitution and pornography and their effects on women. Also, consider heterosexism and its effects on the social standing of gay and intersexual people.

The abortion debate is about nothing other than the question of when life begins.

Gender is an element of culture.

In Canada, prostitution is not a crime.

Becoming pregnant as a teenager raises the risk of not finishing school and becoming poor.

Sociologists offer several explanations for the fact that the incest taboo is found everywhere. Look at the statements below and identify the statement that is NOT a claim made by sociologists.

What makes it difficult to assess what proportion of Canada's population is homosexual? Cite more than two reasons.

Homosexuality and heterosexuality are mutually exclusive, meaning that all people fall into one category or the other.

The structural-functional approach highlights patterns of inequality linked to sexuality.

In Canada, rape is officially recorded as

Historically, public attitudes towards sexuality in North America have been inconsistent, mixing cultural repression with individual choice.

It appears, from research done, that Canadian adults are more sexually active than American adults.

Survey research on attitudes towards premarital sex tells us that