Deck 12: Sexuality

Question 1

It has been claimed that being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is a matter of choice. Why is this claim so controversial? What are the implications for gay, lesbian, and bisexual people if it is true? If it is false?

Answer 1

The claim that being gay, lesbian, or bisexual is a matter of choice is controversial because it undermines the lived experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals and perpetuates harmful stereotypes. This claim suggests that being LGBTQ+ is a decision rather than an inherent aspect of a person's identity, which can lead to discrimination, prejudice, and invalidation of their experiences.

If this claim were true, it would imply that LGBTQ+ individuals could simply choose to be heterosexual, which ignores the complex and deeply personal nature of sexual orientation and gender identity. It would also suggest that LGBTQ+ individuals are responsible for their own discrimination and marginalization, rather than acknowledging the systemic barriers and societal attitudes that contribute to their experiences.

On the other hand, if this claim is false, as is widely supported by scientific research and the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, it highlights the importance of recognizing and affirming the diversity of human sexuality and gender identity. It emphasizes the need for societal acceptance, legal protections, and support for LGBTQ+ individuals to live authentically and without fear of discrimination or violence.

Ultimately, the implications of this claim being true or false have significant impacts on the rights, well-being, and societal attitudes towards gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals. It is crucial to challenge and reject the notion that sexual orientation and gender identity are choices, and instead advocate for equality, understanding, and respect for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.

Question 2

Use the practice of "hooking up" to illustrate how sexual attitudes and behaviors change over time. Consider both how hooking up is viewed now and how it might have been viewed in the late 1990s.

Answer 2

The practice of "hooking up" has evolved significantly over time, reflecting changes in sexual attitudes and behaviors. In the late 1990s, the term "hooking up" was often associated with casual sexual encounters, but it was not as widely accepted or openly discussed as it is today. During that time, there was still a stigma attached to casual sex, and it was often seen as taboo or morally questionable.

In contrast, today, the concept of hooking up has become more normalized and accepted in many social circles. It is often viewed as a natural and common part of dating and relationships, especially among younger generations. There is a greater emphasis on individual autonomy and sexual freedom, and hooking up is often seen as a way for individuals to explore their sexuality and have fun without the pressure of commitment.

Additionally, the rise of dating apps and online platforms has made it easier for people to connect and engage in casual sexual encounters, further contributing to the normalization of hooking up. However, this shift in attitudes and behaviors has also led to discussions about consent, communication, and the emotional impact of casual sex, highlighting the complexities and nuances of modern sexual relationships.

Overall, the evolution of hooking up reflects broader changes in sexual attitudes and behaviors, including a greater emphasis on personal agency, sexual freedom, and open conversations about intimacy and relationships. While the practice may have been viewed with more judgment and stigma in the late 1990s, it is now seen as a natural and common aspect of modern dating culture.

Question 3

Discuss how sociologists understand sexuality, making sure to include a discussion of social norms, values, and institutions.

Answer 3

Sociologists understand sexuality as a complex and multifaceted aspect of human behavior that is shaped by social norms, values, and institutions. Social norms refer to the unwritten rules and expectations that guide behavior within a society. These norms dictate what is considered acceptable or unacceptable in terms of sexual behavior, identity, and expression. For example, in some societies, heterosexual relationships are the norm, while in others, there is more acceptance of diverse sexual orientations.

Values also play a significant role in shaping attitudes towards sexuality. These are the deeply held beliefs and principles that guide individuals and societies in determining what is important and desirable. For example, a society that values traditional family structures may have different attitudes towards sexuality than a society that values individual freedom and autonomy.

Institutions, such as religion, education, and the media, also play a crucial role in shaping societal understandings of sexuality. These institutions often reinforce and perpetuate certain norms and values related to sexuality through their teachings, representations, and policies. For example, religious institutions may promote specific sexual norms and values, while educational institutions may provide information and guidance on sexual health and relationships.

Sociologists also recognize that sexuality is not only shaped by social norms, values, and institutions, but also has the power to influence and shape these social forces. For example, the LGBTQ+ rights movement has challenged and changed societal norms and values related to sexuality, leading to greater acceptance and inclusion of diverse sexual orientations and identities.

Overall, sociologists understand sexuality as a social construct that is deeply intertwined with the norms, values, and institutions of a society. By examining these social forces, sociologists can gain a deeper understanding of how sexuality is shaped, experienced, and contested within different social contexts.

Question 4

Describe how sexual violence is tied to the status of different groups of women in society. What are the conditions under which sexual violence is most likely to occur?

Question 5

Explain the political and legal influences on the status of LGBT people in the United States today.

Question 6

Sexual identity is most accurately described as

A) present at birth.
B) developed in the context of social relationships.
C) based on sexual orientation.
D) imposed by parents during childhood.

Question 7

Which statement about sexualization is true, based on the report of the American Psychological Association?

A) Sexualization refers only to judgments about others' actual behavior, not their appearance.
B) Sexualization has declined over the past two decades as society has become more egalitarian.
C) Although sexualization can be psychologically harmful, it is not harmful in other ways.
D) Sexualization harms children, especially girls.

Question 8

Identify the groups that are most at risk of sexual violence and discuss why their risk is elevated.

Question 9

Define homophobia and discuss how it develops and how it is manifest in society.

Question 10

Discuss the changes in sexual activities that are linked to cybersex and technology. How are they changing how societies view sexuality?

Question 11

Discuss the correlates of teen pregnancy in the United States.

Question 12

Miranda buys her daughter a doll dressed in a sexy outfit. Which of the following trends is she being affected by?

A) The commercialization of sex, which makes sexiness a commodity to be sold
B) Heterosexualism, which encourages traditional concepts of sexuality
C) Pornography since the doll presents a sexualized image
D) Homophobia since she is encouraging her daughter to adopt traditional gender roles

Question 13

When a researcher starts with the premise that sexuality is socially defined, he or she is assuming

A) that sexual orientation is always changing for everyone.
B) that social context establishes the meaning of social relationships.
C) that sexual identity is always fixed.
D) that sexual identity has no biological component.

Question 14

Government support for particular birth control technologies

A) is an example of the regulating of sexual and reproductive behavior.
B) does not occur within the United States.
C) has no effect on the decisions that individuals make about reproductive behavior.
D) discriminates against women.

Question 15

How are sexual coercion and rape related to social inequality and gender?

Question 16

Which of the following is an accurate statement regarding the basis of sexuality?

A) There is significant evidence for a biological basis for sexual orientation.
B) There is significant evidence for a social basis for sexual identity.
C) There is no evidence for a biological basis for sexual orientation.
D) There is no evidence for a social basis for sexual identity.

Question 17

Discuss the relationship between access to affordable birth control and women's status in society. How are policies that make birth control more difficult to obtain, such as letting employers opt out of providing insurance coverage for contraception, likely to affect women?

Question 18

According to the text, which of the following is true about a person's sexuality?

A) There is a definitely a gene that determines sexual orientation.
B) Being homosexual or heterosexual depends on one's genetic structure.
C) Social influences are an important part of every person's sexual identity.
D) There is a definitely no gene that affects sexual orientation.

Question 19

How is the international sex trade inked to economic development and world poverty? Illustrate your response with examples from both sex trafficking and sex tourism.

Question 20

Identify and discuss two ways in which sexual and reproductive behavior are shaped by public policy. 

Question 21

The theoretical framework that emphasizes how sexuality contributes to the stability of society is the

A) functionalist perspective.
B) conflict perspective.
C) symbolic interaction perspective.
D) social exchange perspective.

Question 22

In some cultures, women do not believe that orgasm exists. Sociologists view this as evidence that

A) there is a need for more sex education throughout the world.
B) in some cultures, women do not have orgasms.
C) sexual attitudes and behavior vary cross-culturally.
D) only men experience orgasm.

Question 23

What is the relationship between the concepts of sexual orientation and sexual identity?

A) Sexual orientation is something deeply rooted in an individual; sexual identity develops within a social context.
B) Sexual identity is biological; sexual orientation is socially constructed.
C) Sexual identity is something deeply rooted in an individual; sexual orientation develops within a social context.
D) One's sexual orientation determines one's sexual identity.

Question 24

The system of international sex trafficking

A) is sometimes identified as a form of slavery.
B) involves young men and women equally.
C) is limited to women over the age of eighteen.
D) occurs mostly within capitalist countries.

Question 25

Children's sexual scripts come from all of the following except

A) playing games.
B) their parents.
C) the media.
D) innate knowledge.

Question 26

According to _____ theory, the call for a return to "family values" aims to increase uniformity in values and thus protect the social order.

A) functionalist
B) conflict
C) symbolic interaction
D) social exchange

Question 27

According to _____ theory, sexual relations are linked to other forms of stratification, and sexual violence, such as rape or sexual harassment, is the result of _____.

A) functionalist; failure to properly learn sexual norms
B) conflict; power imbalances between men and women
C) symbolic interaction; failure to properly learn sexual norms
D) social exchange; power imbalances between men and women

Question 28

An example of a new reproductive technology that signifies that reproduction is no longer inextricably linked to biological parents includes

A) in vitro fertilization.
B) birth control.
C) adoption.
D) sterilization.

Question 29

In 2003, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that

A) same-sex marriage was legal.
B) discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation was illegal.
C) private sexual relations were a constitutional liberty.
D) sexual orientation was not a legal issue.

Question 30

A 2017 Gallup Poll indicates that _____ percent of the U.S. public think that abortion should be legal in all circumstances.

A) 19
B) 29
C) 41
D) 54

Question 31

According to _____ theory, the power that some sexual groups have over others and power within sexual relationships mirror the power structure in society as a whole.

A) functionalist
B) conflict
C) symbolic interaction
D) social exchange

Question 32

When it comes to attitudes in the United States toward gays and lesbians,

A) a majority of people believe that gay/lesbian relations are morally acceptable.
B) only 20 percent believe that marriage between couples of the same sex should be legal.
C) there has been little change over the years.
D) most people agree with the policy of "don't ask, don't tell" in employment situations.

Question 33

Queer theory, which recognizes the socially constructed nature of sexual identity,

A) views only one type of sexuality as normal.
B) interprets society as forcing sexual boundaries, or dichotomies, on people.
C) sees homosexuality as fixed in biology.
D) blames social institutions for a social misunderstanding of sexuality.

Question 34

Conflict theorists

A) relate sexuality to the stability of the family.
B) believe that all sexual relationships are oppressive.
C) see changes in sexual norms as occurring only when activists challenge the system.
D) focus on the social construction of sexuality.

Question 35

Sex tourism is such a profitable enterprise that the International Labour Organization estimates that as much as _____ percent of the gross domestic product in Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines is derived from sex tourism.

A) 6
B) 14
C) 22
D) 30

Question 36

Which of the following statements is false about the sexual practices of the U.S. public?

A) Young people are becoming sexually active at an earlier age.
B) A significant number of people have extramarital sex.
C) Having only one sex partner in one's lifetime is rare.
D) A slight majority of people are lesbian and gay.

Question 37

Sociologists note that the increasing use of reproductive technologies

A) will have the same impact on women, regardless of their social status.
B) may lead to a new eugenics movement.
C) is guided by tradition.
D) affects middle-class women more than others.

Question 38

Research indicating that sexual identity is learned suggests that

A) sexual knowledge and sexual identity first begin to develop when a person starts having sex.
B) sexual socialization takes place at a very early age.
C) peers have little or no impact on sexual attitudes.
D) what we learn when we are young has no real impact on our sexual attitudes and behaviors as adults.

Question 39

_____ gives legitimacy to heterosexual behavior, but not homosexual behavior, in order to maintain complementary roles and the ideal of the nuclear family.

A) Functionalist theory
B) Conflict theory
C) Symbolic interaction theory
D) Social exchange theory

Question 40

When comparing the attitudes toward sex held by different generations, it is apparent that those attitudes

A) remain the same over time.
B) are difficult to document.
C) are often easy to talk about.
D) change and fluctuate over time.

Question 41

In the United States, legal access to birth control

A) has always been extended to married and unmarried people equally.
B) is a relatively recently acquired right.
C) has generally been controlled by the women who are most likely to use it.
D) is widespread for all forms, without the need for a prescription.

Question 42

Which of the following is associated with the belief that anything other than heterosexuality is a perversion of sexual identity?

A) Homosexuality
B) Heterosexism
C) Queer theory
D) Sexual politics

Question 43

Both functionalism and conflict theory

A) understand sexuality in terms of the overall organization of society.
B) relate sexuality to the stability of the family.
C) see sexuality in relation to power and the economic structure of society.
D) emphasize how sexual identities are socially constructed.

Question 44

From a symbolic interactionist perspective,

A) sexual practices are the result of complementary gender roles in society.
B) sexual identity and practices are explained by the social organization of society.
C) social approval and taboos influence what is considered permissible.
D) differences in power define what types of sexual behavior are acceptable.

Question 45

The sexual double standard has weakened somewhat over time, particularly in the context of _____ among young people.

A) the double standard
B) hooking up
C) gender bending
D) making out

Question 46

Which of the following statements is false?

A) Sociologists view the international sex trade as part of the global economy.
B) The international sex trade is implicated in problems such as the spread of AIDS.
C) The international sex trade is implicated in the exploitation of women where women have limited economic opportunities.
D) International trade in sex has decreased as the result of increasing globalization and economic development.

Question 47

Research findings indicate that gay people

A) actively try to seduce or "recruit" straight people.
B) do not typically assume dominant or submissive roles in relationships.
C) generally have a negative impact on their children.
D) are mostly middle or upper class.

Question 48

Historically, how have sociologists conceptualized homosexuality?

A) As a form of deviance
B) As part of a spectrum of possibilities for human sexuality
C) As a normal phase in the development of adolescent sexuality
D) As based almost exclusively in biology

Question 49

Because they are denied equal protection and treated with prejudice and discrimination, sociologists consider gay men and lesbians as

A) illegal populations.
B) minorities.
C) insignificant.
D) deviant.

Question 50

Who is more likely to be a victim of sexual violence?

A) White women
B) Rich Asian American women
C) Poor Black women
D) Middle-class women

Question 51

Research on contraceptive use

A) has focused more on contraceptives used by females than those used by males.
B) has found that women use condoms more than the pill to protect themselves from AIDS.
C) has focused more on contraceptives used by males than those used by females.
D) indicates that the use of all methods of birth control has been declining.

Question 52

According to conflict theory, sexual norms

A) are important to the maintenance of order in society.
B) are used by those in power to subordinate others.
C) emerge from and are reinforced by social interaction.
D) establish narrow definitions of women's and men's sexuality.

Question 53

In general, which of these stereotypes is often applied to men and women at the bottom of the race and class stratification system?

A) They have dangerous or uncontrollable sexual behavior.
B) They are passive and compliant.
C) They are virginal or inexperienced.
D) They are asexual or uninterested in sexual activity.

Question 54

Activists Emma Goldman and Margaret Sanger promoted access to _____ as a means of allowing women to work outside the home if they wished.

A) education
B) public transportation.
C) birth control
D) vocational training

Question 55

The _____ perspective explains sexual identity as self-definition that develops through interaction with others.

A) functionalist
B) conflict
C) social construction
D) social exchange

Question 56

The practice of traveling to particular parts of the world in order to engage in commercial sexual activity is termed

A) sex trafficking.
B) sex tourism.
C) sex capitalism.
D) international sexism.

Question 57

The introduction of queer theory

A) has strengthened the boundaries between homosexuality and heterosexuality identity.
B) furthers the idea that sexual identity may be a continuum of different possibilities for sexual expression.
C) challenges the belief that there can be multiple types of sexual identity.
D) has not had any impact on how sexual identity is understood.

Question 58

According to functionalism, sexual identity is

A) learned in the family.
B) regulated by individuals.
C) socially constructed.
D) compulsory.

Question 59

_____ interprets society as forcing sexual boundaries, or dichotomies, on people and disputes the idea that only one form of sexuality is normal and all other forms are deviant or wrong.

A) Functionalism
B) Conflict theory
C) Symbolic interaction theory
D) Queer theory

Question 60

A person's sexual identity

A) may change at some point in his or her lifetime.
B) depends on how many same-sex relationships he or she has had.
C) is permanent once it has been determined.
D) is predictable at the time he or she is born.

Question 61

According to researchers, teenagers who have sex

A) may delay using contraceptives until several months after they become sexually active.
B) vehemently dislike the use of condoms.
C) are likely to marry when they become pregnant.
D) are less likely to use the birth control pill than other forms of contraception.

Question 62

The development of sexual identity is best described as

A) linear.
B) predictive.
C) sequential.
D) an evolving process.

Question 63

With regard to pornography in the United States, sociologists note that

A) the legal definition of pornography has remained stable over time.
B) there is a general consensus on what the impact of pornography is.
C) it is readily available throughout contemporary culture.
D) pornography causes no harm of any sort, directly or indirectly.

Question 64

Which of the following statements is false with regard to abortion?

A) The rate of abortion has declined since 1980.
B) The majority of women having abortions are already mothers.
C) Black women are more likely to have abortions than White women.
D) Public support for abortion has been steadily declining over the past twenty years.

Question 65

Which of the following statements is false about sexuality and social change?

A) Technological change has brought new possibilities for sexual freedom.
B) The Internet has introduced new forms of sexual relations.
C) The sexual revolution has meant greater sexual freedom for women.
D) The sexual revolution has eliminated the influence of gender in sexual relationships.

Question 66

Religion is the primary factor determining whether a person holds liberal sexual views.

Question 67

Functionalists argue that clear gender roles and regulating sexual behavior are good for society because they reduce instability and conflict.

Question 68

In the United States, the most commonly held attitude toward pornography is that it

A) should be protected by the constitutional guarantees of free speech and freedom of the press.
B) should be made illegal.
C) has no long-lasting impact on attitudes toward women or sexuality.
D) should be strictly controlled.

Question 69

About half of Americans think it is acceptable to discriminate against homosexuals with respect to job opportunities.

Question 70

"Coming out" refers to

A) the result of a single homosexual experience.
B) a series of events that makes an individual question his or her sexual identity.
C) the process of defining oneself as gay or lesbian.
D) the experience of sharing one's sexual identity with others.

Question 71

Research on teen mothers show that they often report which of the following?

A) They doubt men's ability to support them.
B) They are distrustful of men.
C) They fear domestic violence.
D) All of the above

Question 72

Sexual coercion or rape is a consequence primarily of

A) sexual attraction.
B) power and dominance resulting from inequality.
C) provocative behavior among victims.
D) sexual permissiveness within society.

Question 73

Research to evaluate the impact of abstinence pledges as a means of preventing teen pregnancy has found that

A) virginity "pledgers" actually end up having more sex than "nonpledgers."
B) virginity "nonpledgers" consistently have more sex than "pledgers."
C) virginity "pledgers" who are sexually active are less likely to use birth control than "nonpledgers" who are.
D) virginity "nonpledgers" who are sexually active are less likely to use birth control than "pledgers" who are.

Question 74

Functionalists view sexual identity as learned in the family and other social institutions and assert that unapproved sexual identities contribute to social disorder.

Question 75

If Pam is researching pro- and antiabortion activism, she is likely to find that

A) both sides agree on the roles of women in society.
B) both sides agree on women's control over their own fertility.
C) the sides disagree on the nature of men's and women's relationships.
D) the sides disagree over whether sexual norms have changed.

Question 76

Americans are more conservative than western Europeans when it comes to the issue of having sex before marriage.

Question 77

From a sociological perspective, sexual behavior is purely natural.

Question 78

The right to abortion was first established in constitutional law by the _____ decision.

A) Romer v. Evans , 1996
B) Eisenstadt v. Baird , 1972
C) Roe v. Wade , 1973
D) Lawrence v. Griswold , 1965

Question 79

Social influences are at least as important as biology in the creation of a person's sexual identity.

Question 80

In general, teens are having sex at much earlier ages than in the early 2000s.