DR. FILEMON C.
AGUILAR MEMORIAL COLLEGE OF LAS PINAS
COURSE MODULE
IN
GE 109 - Gender and Society
Compiled and Written
By
PROFESSOR Juanito A. Teves
Course Code and Title: GE 109 - Gender and Society
Lesson Number: 6
Topic: SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
What is behavior? In simpler terms, it refers to actions. These are things
that we do, both overt or observable and covert ot not readily observable by the naked
eye. On a daily basis, we act because of a motivation – something that drives us to do
something, some psychologists believe that we behave as a response to stimili. Others
believe that we do things bcause we want to achieve pleasure or avoid pain. Some
think it is because we want to achieve a goal towards the fulfillment of our own
potentials and aspirations as a human in search for meaning.
What is interesting about behavior is it is readily measurable as opposed
to feelings and thoughts. You can look at its frequency- how many times an action is
done in a span of time. You can also check on the duration-how long does an action
take place, say, in seconds, minutes or hours. A behaviour has an intensity-the
magnitude by which it is done: is it forceful? Is it weak? Then there is diversity-what are
the varieties of a similar behaviour done in various context or what are the different
behaviors we are capable of depending on our physical characteristics.
Learning Objectives:
At the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
Discuss the variety of sexual behaviors in humans and atypical sexual variations.
(C)
Show appreciation of the diversity of human sexual expression. (A)
Differentiate stereotype, prejudice, and discrimination. (C)
Understand the manifestations of stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination on
gender (A)
Speak clearly to express one’s opinion and participate in mental exercises. (P)
Pre-Assessment:
Instructions: Match the items in Column A with the statements in Column B.
A B
Pedophilia Pleasure from exposing one’s genital.
Exhibitionism Observing other people engaged in sexual activities.
Voyeurism Arousal from actual suffering or humiliation.
Sexual masochism Arousal from actually inflicting pain to others.
Sexual sadism Arousal from children.
LESSON PRESENTATION:
SEXUAL BEHAVIORS
Sexual behaviors are actions that humans agree to interpret as an
expression of their sexual motivations or intentions. It is important to remember that
behaviors are given meaning by people. Sexual behaviors are generally erotic such that
they involve any of the primary or secondary erotic zones. Earlier we mentioned that
body parts such as face, neck, genitalia, and chest, among others, are erogenous
zones.
Sexual behaviors can be typed according to the aim of the behaviour. For
instance, sexual behaviour such as masturbation or the stimulation of one’s own
genital can be considered as auto-erotic (self-directed). Erotic motivations can also be
directed to other people of the same-sex or of the opposite sex. Homoerotic behavior
are sexual behaviors oriented to the same sex. On the other hand, heteroerotic
behaviors are used to refer to sexual behaviors oriented to the other sex.
For reproduction purposes, copulation or the insertion of the penis to the
vagina is necessary. However, sexual behaviors do not only refer to copulation- the
insertion of the penis to the vagina orifice. They also include an array of non-
copulatory sexual behaviors such as hugging, kissing, caressing. There are also
sexual behaviors that involve oral stimulation of the genitals such as fellatio (oral
stimulation of the penis) or cunnilingus (oral stimulation of the vagina). Then, there are
also sexual behaviors involving stimulation or penetration of the anal orifice (anal sex).
SEXUAL RESPONSE CYCLE
For heterosexual couples, one of the ultimate goals of the sexual act is
reproduction. This is made possible through the fertilization of the ovum by a sperm,
which necessitates ejaculation (release of the sperm) from the human male into the
internal reproductive system of the human female. Before this ultimate process, both the
human male and female undergoes a sequence of bodily changes which prepare them
for the sexual climax. This sequence of changes is referred to as the sexual response
cycle.
Master and Johnson’s Model. Master and Johnson (1966, 1970) proposed that the
following are four phases in the cycle:
Excitement. The first phase in the cycle.
For the human male, goal of this phase
is erection or tumescence (the
elongation and stiffening of the penis) so
that it can be efficiently inserted into the
vagina.
Plateau. The Excitement phase is
followed by the Plateau. This phase is
characterized by a sustained peak in
stimulation of the organs. In the human
male, the corona and glans penis
become enlarged and reddish.
Orgasm. The climax of the sexual response cycle. It is a stage of release wherein
the human male achieves ejaculation and the human female is ready to receive
the sperm for possible fertilization.
Resolution. The male penis return to its normal unerected phase, where the
testes and the scrotum descend. In the female, the outer and inner reproductive
organs also relax.
Kaplan’s Model. Kaplan’s model (1979) sees the sexual response cycle as having
relatively independent stages. The three phases of this model include:
Desire. The psychological component of
the sexual response. It involves sexual
thoughts and feelings, which are
necessary for a satisfying sexual
experience. However, desire does not
necessarily translate into action.
Arousal. The phase where the excitement
and plateau (as defined by Masters and
Johnson) take place. It is the physiological
component of the sexual response,
wherein bodily changes occur as an outcome of sexual stimulation.
Orgasm. Generally, similar with that of the Masters and Johnson model, except
that this phase also include the Resolution phase. The completion of the sexual
response.
SEXUAL RESPONSE DYSFUNCTIONS
Some people experience difficulty or problems in some of the sexual
phases. The following are the common sexual response dysfunctions:
Sexual desire disorder – when an individual has low levels of desire or has an
aversion to sexual activities.
Sexual arousal disorder – when an individual has problems in achieving
necessary Physiological state for copulation (e.g., erectile dysfunction in males).
Orgasmic disorder – when an individual has problems in achieving orgasm (e.g.,
premature ejaculation among males; male and female orgasmic disorders).
Sexual pain disorders – when there is an experience of pain during the sexual
response cycle (e.g., pain erection or dyspareunia, and vaginal spasms).
PARAPHILIAS
While there are typical sexual behaviors among
humans, there are also those behaviors that are relatively atypical.
They are atypical due to any of the following reasons: (1) they are
not prevalent, (2) they are dangerous to self and to others, (3) they
are bizarre and are not socially acceptable, and (4) they are
distressing either to the doer or to other people involved in the act.
Among these atypical sexual behavioural variations,
which is also considered by the APA as a disorder, is paraphilia.
Paraphilia is when an individual gets sexually aroused by on
object, a person, or a circumstance that are unusual (e.g., pain-inflicting, humiliating,
non-consenting persons). A paraphilic disorder is when the urge or act lasts for at
least six months and is a manifestation of clinically significant distress.
Some of the common paraphilic disorders are as follows:
Exhibitionism – pleasure from exposing one’s genitals to nonconsenting people.
Fetishism - arousal from non-living objects (e.g., shoes, socks, body parts).
Frotteurism - touching or rubbing one’s body or genitals to nonconsenting
people.
Pedophilia – arousal from children (prepubescent).
Sexual masochism – arousal from actual suffering or humiliation.
Sexual sadism – arousal from actually inflicting pain to others.
Transvestic fetishism - (for heterosexual males only) arousal from wearing
clothing by the opposite sex during sexual activities.
Voyeurism – observing other people engaged in sexual activities.
For a paraphilia to be considered a paraphilic disorder, diagnosis has to be made. Only
trained psychologists or medical doctors can make such clinical judgments after lengthy
and comprehensive assessment.
STEREOTYPE, PREJUDICESAND DISCRIMINATION
Stereotypes
Stereotypes are an “over-
generalized belief about a particular group or
class of people” (Cardwell 1996). It can be
helpful in simplifying things, after all, there
7.7 billion people in the planet. When we
meet someone for the first time, we
associate with them certain characteristics
and abilities that we usually base on the
group they belong to. While some
stereotypes convey positive examples, most
stereotypes, however, are drawn from negative generalizations like equating our Muslim
countrymen as terrorists and viewing farmers and blue-collar workers as lazy and less
educated. It reflects our expectations and beliefs and is largely based on the social
circle we belong to as we try to conform or agree to the standard way of thought.
However, these stereotypes change through time depending on social and political
conditions.
A stereotype can be categorized as “explicit”, meaning the person is
aware that they have these thoughts towards a group of people and they can say it out
loud. It can also be “implicit” wherein a person does not know if they have these
stereotypes since it lies in their subconscious. When the stereotypes is explicit, a
person can choose not to turn their stereotypes into actions. While with an implicit
stereotype, a person has no control or awareness of it, and it may manifest into actions
or behaviour.
Prejudice
Prejudice is an “unjustified or
incorrect attitude (usually negative) towards an
individual based solely on the individual’s
membership of a social group” (McLeod 2008).
Prejudice represents our emotional response
upon learning of a person’ membership to a
specific group.
This is negative attitude (prejudice) can be dangerous since it often leads
to negative actions and behaviors. For examples, a sexist person is someone who has
negative attitude towards the other sex and sees them as the lesser sex. This negative
attitude could manifest into action such as bullying, discrimination, or violence.
Discrimination
Discrimination refers to actions or
behaviors towards an individual or a group of people.
According to the United Nations, “discriminatory
behaviors take many forms, but they all involve some
form of exclusion or rejection”. People who are
discriminated on are treated worse than the way people
are usually treated just because they belong to a certain
group or they have certain characteristics. Here are a few examples of discrimination:
Genocide is the action of recognizing someone as different so much that
they are treated inhumanly and degraded.
Apartheid (means separateness) is a form of racial discrimination wherein
one race is viewed as less than the other.
Gender discrimination is another common form of discrimination.
Statistically, women earn less than en
and are often relegated to be solely
responsible for child-rearing and house
chores.
LGBT discrimination happens when
LGBT people are treated as lesser than
straight people.
Restricting opportunities or privileges that may be available to other
groups is discrimination, like the right to vote in national elections.
FREEDOM AND EQUALITY
Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) states that
“all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights.” This declaration was
drafted by member countries of the United Nations, including the Philippines, in 1948.
This monumental documents outlines the fundamental rights of every human being that
should be protected by everyone at all times.
Its preamble recognizes that the inherent dignity and of the equal and
inalienable rights of all members of the human family is the foundation of freedom,
justice, and peace in the world.” While discriminatory traditions, policies, ideas,
practices, and laws exist in many countries, many have shifted towards making
opportunities and privileges accessible to everyone. In many countries, people of the
same sex can now get married and create their own families while enjoying the same
rights as straight couples. In the Philippines, all establishments are now required to
have n access ramp for people with disabilities.
Appreciating diversity of the human race is key to making a safer and
more inclusive environment for everyone, regardless of race, sex, religion, sexuality,
gender, or creed.
SUMMARY:
The behavioral aspect of human sexuality provides a holistic perspective
as to how physiological and psychological elements coalesce towards actions. In certain
cases, behaviors often serve as indicator whether an organism is functional or are
having problems. By knowing what behavior is normal and acceptable, as well as what
behavior is the opposite, we are able to make intelligent judgments on issues
concerning human sexuality.
Stereotyping, prejudice, and discrimination is a sensitive issue for many
people since it can be traced to our history, culture, tradition, and religion. However,
with the Internet and technology, we now live in a world that seems to have no borders.
It is important to create a society that respects the uniqueness of every human being
and uphold everyone’s dignity and rights.
Video Clip
Sexual Behavior | Psychology
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwbJYuiWdPc
Sexual dysfunctions
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=346PT3cpSsM
Sexual Disorders paraphilias
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvQ7smKTKmg
Reference:
Peralta, Eric Paul D. (2019). Gender and Society: A Human Ecological Approach.
Manila, Philippines: Rex Bookstore, Inc.
ACTIVITY/EVALUATION:
Activity 6.1a In not more than 10 sentences. Enumerate and explain briefly
common paraphilic disorders. (5 points)
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Activity 6.1b In not more than 10 sentences. Differentiate stereotypes,
prejudice, and discrimination. Provide three examples of each. (5 points)
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ASSIGNMENT: 6
Instructions: Look for TV or newspaper advertisements which you think are
promoting stereotypes, prejudice, or discrimination. Write down an essay explaining
why you think so and how to make the advertisement more inclusive. In not more than
10 sentences.
GRADING RUBRIC:
For a five-point essay:
5 – Used many details thoroughly and expertly; applied integrated concepts;
made connections between facts and ideas.
4 – Used many details to illustrate the topic; clearly understood the topic well.
3 – Used some details to illustrate the topic; understood topic
2 – Used one or two details, alluded to details vaguely; followed directions, had a basic
knowledge of the topic.
1 – Used no historical details, made factual errors; thinking not justified, no evidence
that
knowledge was acquired.
0 – No attempt to answer the question was made.
