1.1 Defining sexuality and its dimensions

Sexuality is a complex, multifaceted aspect of human life that goes beyond just sex. It involves our biology, psychology, and social interactions, shaping our identities, relationships, and experiences. Understanding sexuality means looking at how these different parts work together.

Our culture and personal values play a big role in how we view and express our sexuality. From family upbringing to media messages, many factors influence our attitudes about sex, gender, and relationships. It's important to recognize how these shape our individual perspectives on sexuality.

Human Sexuality: A Multifaceted Concept

The Scope of Human Sexuality

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• Human sexuality encompasses the sexual knowledge, beliefs, attitudes, values, and behaviors of individuals
• Involves the biological, erotic, physical, emotional, social, or spiritual feelings and behaviors
• Sexuality is a central aspect of being human throughout life and encompasses sex, gender identities and roles, sexual orientation, eroticism, pleasure, intimacy, and reproduction
• Experienced and expressed in thoughts, fantasies, desires, beliefs, attitudes, values, behaviors, practices, roles, and relationships

The Variability of Sexual Expression

• While sexuality can include all of these dimensions, not all of them are always experienced or expressed
• Sexuality is influenced by the interaction of biological, psychological, social, economic, political, cultural, legal, historical, religious, and spiritual factors
• The expression of sexuality varies widely between individuals and can change over the course of a person's life
• Societal norms, personal experiences, and cultural values shape how individuals understand and express their sexuality

Dimensions of Sexuality

Biological Dimension

• Includes the reproductive system, sexual and reproductive health, sexual anatomy, and sexual response cycles
• Largely governed by hormones (testosterone, estrogen) and physiology
• Involves the physical aspects of sexual arousal, intercourse, and reproduction
• Includes the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty (breast development, hair growth)

Psychological Dimension

• Involves mental and emotional processes, cognitions, and behaviors related to sexual expression and experiences
• Includes sexual identity, orientation, thoughts, desires, motivations, and attitudes
• Encompasses the development of sexual self-concept and body image
• Psychological factors (stress, anxiety, depression) can impact sexual functioning and satisfaction

Social Dimension

• Refers to how sexuality is shaped and influenced by cultural, societal, and interpersonal factors
• Includes gender roles, sexual scripts, relationships, sexual behaviors, and societal attitudes and norms surrounding sexuality
• Social institutions (family, religion, media, education) convey messages and expectations about sexuality
• Interpersonal relationships (romantic partners, friends, peers) influence sexual attitudes and behaviors

The Interaction of Dimensions

• The interaction and overlap of the biological, psychological, and social dimensions create the complex and multifaceted nature of human sexuality
• Each dimension influences and is influenced by the others
• For example, hormones (biological) can affect sexual desire (psychological), which can impact relationship satisfaction (social)
• A comprehensive understanding of sexuality requires considering the interplay of these dimensions

Culture and Personal Values in Sexuality

Cultural Influences on Sexuality

• Culture, which includes the shared beliefs, values, customs, and behaviors of a group, significantly shapes sexual attitudes and behaviors
• Cultural norms and scripts dictate appropriate and inappropriate sexual behaviors and expressions
• Examples of cultural influences include:
  • Religious views on sexual morality and the purpose of sex (procreation vs. pleasure)
  • Media portrayals of sexuality and relationships (heteronormativity, gender roles)
  • Laws and policies regulating sexual behavior (age of consent, same-sex marriage)

Personal Values and Experiences

• Family upbringing and socialization play a crucial role in the development of personal sexual values and attitudes
  • Parents and caregivers model and communicate messages about sexuality, consciously or unconsciously
  • Family values regarding sex, relationships, and gender roles are internalized by children
• Personal experiences, such as relationships, education, and life events, contribute to the development of individual sexual values and attitudes
  • Positive or negative sexual experiences can shape future attitudes and behaviors
  • Comprehensive sex education can provide accurate information and promote healthy decision-making
• The interaction of cultural influences and personal experiences creates a unique perspective on sexuality for each individual

Sex vs Gender vs Identity vs Orientation

Sex and Gender

• Sex refers to the biological and physiological characteristics that define males and females
  • Determined by chromosomes (XX, XY), hormones, and reproductive organs
  • Typically assigned at birth based on external genitalia (penis, vulva)
• Gender is the socially constructed roles, behaviors, expressions, and identities of girls, boys, women, men, and gender diverse people
  • Influences how people perceive themselves and each other, how they act and interact, and the distribution of power and resources in society
  • Gender norms and expectations vary across cultures and can change over time

Gender Identity

• Gender identity is a person's inner sense of being male, female, neither, or another gender
  • May or may not correspond with the sex they were assigned at birth
  • Gender identity is distinct from sexual orientation
• Cisgender individuals have a gender identity that aligns with their assigned sex at birth
• Transgender individuals have a gender identity that differs from their assigned sex
  • May seek medical interventions (hormones, surgery) to align their body with their identity
• Non-binary and genderqueer are terms used to describe gender identities that do not fit into the traditional male/female binary
  • May identify as neither, both, or a combination of male and female
  • May use gender-neutral pronouns (they/them)

Sexual Orientation

• Sexual orientation refers to a person's emotional, romantic, and/or sexual attraction to other people
  • Exists on a continuum and can be fluid for some individuals
  • Includes attraction to specific genders as well as the lack of attraction
• Sexual orientations include:
  • Heterosexual (attraction to the opposite gender)
  • Homosexual (attraction to the same gender)
  • Bisexual (attraction to both males and females)
  • Pansexual (attraction regardless of gender)
  • Asexual (little or no sexual attraction)
• Sexual orientation is distinct from sexual behavior, as not all individuals act on their attractions
• The development of sexual orientation is influenced by a complex interaction of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors