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Understanding Normal Sexual Behaviors: Cultural Variances and Historical Perspectives

Explore the concept of "normal" sexual behavior across cultures and history, including attitudes towards masturbation, ethnic differences, sexual fantasies, coital positions, and more. Reflect on personal reactions and societal perceptions.

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Understanding Normal Sexual Behaviors: Cultural Variances and Historical Perspectives

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  1. Chapter 11 Adult Sexual Behaviors and Attitudes

  2. What affects normal sexual behavior? “Normal” Difference between cultures and changes throughout history Statistically normal Range of behaviors

  3. Did you include these in your definition of “normal”? Most sexual behaviors considered normal No physical or psychological damage done No harm to others done No interference with daily life

  4. Personal Reflections What was your emotional reaction, if any, when you first say the drawings for this chapter? If your reaction was anxiety or disgust, why? Do you regard the behaviors shown as normal?

  5. Masturbation Across History and Culture Some cultures have condemn and others honor or accept self-pleasuring Victorians used several methods to control masturbation Kellogg invented corn flakes to prevent masturbation

  6. Recent Attitudes

  7. Incidence and Methods of Masturbation Men Women

  8. Functions of Masturbation Overall Pleasure Variety Outlet for lack of sex and reflection of sexually active lifestyle Long-Term Adolescence masturbation related to greater satisfaction in marital sex Masturbation may be prescribed by sex therapists

  9. Personal Reflections What are your feelings about masturbation? If they are negative, why? Do you have negative feelings when you pleasure yourself by touching (e.g., rubbing, massaging, scratching)other parts of your body? Consider masturbation in context of a larger question: Are genitals reserved only for procreation (to have children), or are they also a source of pleasure?

  10. Ethnic Differences in Sexual Behavior African-American Asian-American White Americans Latino-Americans

  11. Nocturnal Orgasms Nocturnal orgasm: occurs during sleep; wet dream Celebrated in some cultures Occurs most frequently in adolescence and then declines Not voluntary behavior

  12. Sexual Fantasies Normal, common; may occur at any time Four categories: • Exploratory • Intimacy • Impersonal • Dominance-submission

  13. Most sex therapists view sexual fantasies as something positive. Do you agree or disagree?

  14. Personal Reflections Do you have sexual fantasies? Are you comfortable with your fantasies? If your partner told you that he or she had sexual fantasies, what would your feelings be? Analyze the nature of your fantasies. What purpose do think your fantasies serve?

  15. Coital Positions and Locations Coitus: sexual intercourse Missionary position Woman on top position Man behind Woman on lap Others?

  16. Questions to Consider

  17. Personal Reflections How do you expect to keep your sexual relationship from becoming ritualized after 6 months, 6 years, 20 years, 60 years? The brain is your largest sex organ. Make sure you continue to use it to your advantage.

  18. Cross Cultural PerspectivesPositions of Sexual Intercourse Face-to-face preferred in all known cultures Where woman’s sexual satisfaction is considered as important as man’s, woman-on-top is usually preferred Polynesia and many Asian cultures have different perspectives

  19. Oral-Genital Sex Kissing Oral sex Fellatio Cunnilingus

  20. Personal Reflections Try to recall your reactions when someone first told you about French kissing (also called “wet kissing” or “soul kissing”). How did you react? Could you really imagine allowing someone else to put his or her tongue in your mouth? How did your attitude change as you began to realize that most people engage in this behavior? Might this same process eventually change your attitude about any of the behaviors discussed in this chapter to which you presently have negative reactions?

  21. Anal Stimulation Anus has numerous nerve endings and is very sensitive to touch Anal sphincter muscle undergoes rhythmic contractions during orgasm in both men and women Not just for gay men!

  22. Anal Stimulation Anal sex can include: Anal intercourse (penis in anus) Use of fingers or dildos (insertion or caressing) Rimming (oral-anal)

  23. Preferred Sexual Behaviors by Ethnic Groups How would you rank the following? Vaginal sex Receiving oral sex Giving oral sex Anal sex Watching partner undress

  24. The Sexually Healthy Person

  25. Laws Against Consensual Sex 17 states and the District of Columbia make fornication and/or cohabitation crime Adultery is a crime in 26 states 5 states prohibit sale of vibrators and other “adult sexual aids” In 2003, Supreme Court struck down sodomy laws

  26. Personal Reflections Do you believe that a couple should have the right to decide for themselves which sexual behaviors they engage in (assuming, of course, that it is done with mutual consent and does not cause physical or emotional harm to the other person)? Or should the state serve as a higher moral authority and regulate the private consensual sexual activities of its citizens?

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