Exam 4: Gender and Sexuality

Lisa Diamond's book Sexual Fluidity explores how people can shift their attraction from one sex to another and back again. This could explain why some people marry a member of the opposite sex, but later become attracted to their same sex and divorce. What sociological phenomenon is reflected in this idea of fluidity, which society is more willing to embrace today?

Despite media portrayals of men and women, Joe feels that his wife can choose (as can he) to be dominate or submissive in their love life, based on their personal preferences in the moment. What sociological phenomenon is characterized by Joe's willingness to accept nontraditional behaviour in his relationship with his wife?

Karissa has never liked her body. Even though she weighs 90 lbs, she thinks her thighs are too big, her breasts are too small, and her stomach sticks out no matter how many sit-ups she does. According to the text, what is Karissa's primary problem?

There is a one-to-one relationship between sex and gender.

Summarize the construction of gender through socialization and provide personal examples, or examples from your immediate circle of family and friends.

Ellie is looking for a way to make a contribution to the efforts to break the male domination of our society. Which of the following activities would NOT make a suitable contribution?

The official position of all of the major world religions is that extramarital sex is unacceptable.

According to the text, why are media-reinforced standards of attractiveness particularly relevant to women?

My great-grandmother was horrified by the idea that a woman might not be a virgin on her wedding night. Today, however, most young adults experiment sexually before getting married. This is a sign of what social change in our society?

According to the text, what do women experience when they take jobs in environments that maximize competition and threat?

According to the text, which of the following are associated with high rates of sexual assault and harassment?

Sociologists argue that the separation of public and private spheres is the single most important sociohistorical change that led to gender inequality.

According to the text, which of the following demonstrates that traditional sexual scripts are changing?

According to Freud, when a young boy becomes preoccupied with his penis he also begins to develop something else as well. Which of the following does he develop?

According to the text, which of the following is a position espoused by sexual pluralists?

According to the text, which of the following is characteristic of the elements surrounding rape?

According to the text, at what age does interaction with peers become an important factor in reinforcing gender-typed attitudes and behaviours?

According to the text, what effects do assumptions of heterosexuality have on gays and lesbians?

According to the text, which of the following is the main alternative to essentialism?

A young, married, heterosexual couple engage in sex. She puts on some lingerie, and he strips naked. They engage in foreplay, and then copulate in the missionary position. Which term is used by sociologist to best define this act?