ABSTRACT
In this chapter, we have attempted to show how female and male sexuality is strongly influenced by historical, cultural, and social forces. This social constructionist perspective challenges the belief that any one form of sexuality or any one sexual behavior is solely determined by biological mechanisms. Sexuality and sexual behaviors have been and continue to be subject to social and situational factors, and thus can change.
In the first part of the chapter, we use the double standard of sexuality as the lens through which to view gender differences in a variety of sexual behaviors. We discuss how gender differences develop and are maintained through socialization in the double standard. We 281explore how racist, ethnocentric, and heterosexist biases can affect our judgments of sexual behavior.
In the second section of the chapter we review scientific research on sexuality, from the ground-breaking work of Kinsey and Masters and Johnson to the present. Issues and methods of research in sexuality are presented, and research on sexual practices is summarized. The human sexual response is described.
In the final section of the chapter, selected topics in human sexuality are treated. We describe common sexual dysfunctions and question possible sexist biases in the use of that term. We discuss recent research and thinking about sexual orientation and consider how culture and society construct categories of heterosexual, homosexual, and bisexual. We review the rapidly growing literature on sexual fantasy and consider various theories about gender differences in this area. Sexuality among people with disabilities, a grossly understudied area of research, is briefly discussed. Finally, we present current research and thinking in the important areas of contraceptive use and safe(r) sex practices, exploring the critical role of gender in these areas.
In conclusion, sexuality generally and female sexuality particularly remain understudied and poorly understood. As we have seen, gender inequalities abound, and 30 years after the sexual revolution, sex remains far more problematic for females than males. Fortunately, science and society have begun to acknowledge some of the biases and gaps that have hampered their efforts. There is increased recognition that sex and sexuality always occur in a context and must be described and studied with that awareness.
