Chapter 10: Sex, Gender, and Sexuality
Place in order the sequence of events that occurs in the biological development of individuals whose sex is binary—that is, either male or female.
1. A zygote is created that has XX or XY sex chromosomes. 2. Male or female sex glands develop. 3. Sex glands release hormones that result in distinctive physical characteristics. 4. Secondary sex characteristics develop. 5. Primary sex characteristics develop.
Place the phases of physiological response during sexual activity in the order in which they generally occur.
1. Excitement 2. Plateau 3. Orgasm 4. Resolution
What does current research on the experience of gender suggest?
A non-binary conceptualization of gender best fits the data.
A preliminary step toward having sex is experiencing sexual (_). The more immediate motivation to engage in sex, known as sexual (_), can lead directly to sexual (_). This motivation is typically influenced by three factors: biology, environment, and (_).
A preliminary step toward having sex is experiencing sexual (attraction). The more immediate motivation to engage in sex, known as sexual (desire), can lead directly to sexual (activity). This motivation is typically influenced by three factors: biology, environment, and (culture).
Which statements most accurately describe the changing social acceptance of variation in sexual orientation? Gay or lesbian sexual attraction was identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a mental illness as recently as 2010. Careers in social work or human services are good options for people who wish to support people with diverse sex, gender, and attraction experiences. Worldwide, attitudes toward people with similar-sex attractions are generally becoming more positive. Same-sex marriage is currently legal in many, but not all, U.S. states. Acronyms such as LGBTQIA+ have hindered social acceptance of variations in sexual orientation.
Accurate Statements: Careers in social work or human services are good options for people who wish to support people with diverse sex, gender, and attraction experiences. Worldwide, attitudes toward people with similar-sex attractions are generally becoming more positive. Inaccurate Statements: Acronyms such as LGBTQIA+ have hindered social acceptance of variations in sexual orientation. Same-sex marriage is currently legal in many, but not all, U.S. states. Gay or lesbian sexual attraction was identified in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders as a mental illness as recently as 2010.
Which of the following statements accurately describe the interaction between hormones and sexual desire in women? Cyclic increases in estrogen increase both fertility and sexual motivation. The specific hormones associated with women's sexual desire is still under research. Testosterone plays no role in women's sexual desire. Menopause more or less eliminates women's sexual desire.
Accurate Statements: Cyclic increases in estrogen increase both fertility and sexual motivation. The specific hormones associated with women's sexual desire is still under research. Inaccurate Statements: Testosterone plays no role in women's sexual desire. Menopause more or less eliminates women's sexual desire.
Identify the statements that accurately characterize the development and expression of gender. The development of gender identity is very different in transgender and cisgender people. Gender cannot be determined by examining a person's brain, hormones, or cognitive processes. Gender identity is shaped primarily by the sex one is assigned at birth. People with a stable gender identity may express their gender differently depending on the context.
Accurate Statements: Gender cannot be determined by examining a person's brain, hormones, or cognitive processes. People with a stable gender identity may express their gender differently depending on the context. Inaccurate Statements: The development of gender identity is very different in transgender and cisgender people. Gender identity is shaped primarily by the sex one is assigned at birth.
Which of the following statements accurately describe the interaction between hormones and sexual desire in men? Like women, men experience cyclic fluctuations in their level of sex hormones. As men age, their testosterone levels decrease. Men's hormonal levels never require medical treatment. Sexual desire can increase testosterone levels.
Accurate Statements: Sexual desire can increase testosterone levels. As men age, their testosterone levels decrease. Inaccurate Statements: Men's hormonal levels never require medical treatment. Like women, men experience cyclic fluctuations in their level of sex hormones.
Match each research method or finding with its corresponding researcher. He used surveys with controversial sampling methods to gather data about sexual behaviors. He conducted research on sexual behavior through direct observation. He reported that more than 50 percent of men and women had participated in premarital sexual behavior. He identified a pattern of physical and psychological responses called the sexual response cycle. He found that gay and lesbian behaviors were much more common than most people realized.
Alfred Kinsey: He found that gay and lesbian behaviors were much more common than most people realized. He used surveys with controversial sampling methods to gather data about sexual behaviors. He reported that more than 50 percent of men and women had participated in premarital sexual behavior. William Masters: He identified a pattern of physical and psychological responses called the sexual response cycle. He conducted research on sexual behavior through direct observation.
Determine whether or not the following interactions with a transgender or gender-nonconforming person are appropriate. Assuming that a person who has transitioned from female to male is attracted to cisgender women. Asking about the biological aspects of a person's sex. Asking what name and pronoun the person prefers. Assuming that a person who is non-binary in gender identity is also transgender.
Appropriate: Asking what name and pronoun the person prefers. Inappropriate: Assuming that a person who has transitioned from female to male is attracted to cisgender women. Asking about the biological aspects of a person's sex. Assuming that a person who is non-binary in gender identity is also transgender.
Which of the following are associated with the consumption of pornography? Couples with partners who consume pornography equally have higher levels of sexual communication and closeness. Teens who consume pornography have fairly accurate assumptions about sexual behavior and sexual anatomy. Men who consume more pornography than their partners experience reduced sexual and relational well-being. Regular consumption of pornography enables teens to behave in a more sexually conservative manner. Pornographic consumption is associated with verbal and physical sexual aggression.
Associated with Consumption: Couples with partners who consume pornography equally have higher levels of sexual communication and closeness. Men who consume more pornography than their partners experience reduced sexual and relational well-being. Pornographic consumption is associated with verbal and physical sexual aggression. Not Associated with Consumption: Teens who consume pornography have fairly accurate assumptions about sexual behavior and sexual anatomy. Regular consumption of pornography enables teens to behave in a more sexually conservative manner.
Which of the following are commonly associated with sexual dysfunction? In women, increasing age. Changes in finances. Feeling less happiness and emotional satisfaction. Higher levels of education.
Associated: Feeling less happiness and emotional satisfaction. Changes in finances. Not Associated: In women, increasing age. Higher levels of education.
Match each concept with its description. Biological aspects of sex Gender Sexual orientation
Biological aspects of sex: The physical aspects of a person's sex Gender: The social, cultural, and psychological aspects of masculinity and femininity Sexual orientation: The nature of a person's enduring sexual, emotional, and/or romantic attraction to other people
Associate each trait with one of these hormonally influenced differences in sexual development: congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) or androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS). Genitals that are ambiguous or resemble a penis. Sex chromosome of a male. Genitals that are ambiguous or may resemble a vagina. Sex chromosomes of a female. In utero exposure to high levels of androgens. Cells that do not respond to testosterone produced by testes.
Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia (CAH): Sex chromosomes of a female. Genitals that are ambiguous or resemble a penis. In utero exposure to high levels of androgens. Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome (AIS): Sex chromosome of a male. Genitals that are ambiguous or may resemble a vagina. Cells that do not respond to testosterone produced by testes.
Identify the ways in which gender stereotypes can contribute to sexist attitudes and behaviors. Gender stereotypes capture many complex details about gender. Gender stereotypes limit our understanding of who people really are. We tend to unfairly evaluate stereotyped categories as either superior or inferior. Gender stereotypes restrict people from comfortably and flexibly expressing themselves. Even children's gender stereotypes are rigid and difficult to change.
Contribution to Sexist Attitudes: Gender stereotypes limit our understanding of who people really are. We tend to unfairly evaluate stereotyped categories as either superior or inferior. Gender stereotypes restrict people from comfortably and flexibly expressing themselves. No Contribution to Sexist Attitudes: Gender stereotypes capture many complex details about gender. Even children's gender stereotypes are rigid and difficult to change.
Women are more likely than men to describe themselves as bisexual partly because females experience greater sexual fluidity. Which of the following kinds of studies have been conducted to reveal these results? Studies measuring genital arousal. Studies measuring brain activity. Studies measuring skin conductivity. Studies measuring pupil dilation.
Correct Answers: Studies measuring genital arousal. Studies measuring brain activity. Studies measuring pupil dilation. Incorrect Answer: Studies measuring skin conductivity.
Jerome wants to pursue a career in which he can help and support people with diverse sex, gender, and attraction experiences. Which of the following would be good information to offer Jerome? With a bachelor's degree in psychology, Jerome could help clients with gender dysphoria by prescribing effective medication. With a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or social work, Jerome could become a social worker who helps LGBTQIA clients address issues in their daily lives. With a bachelor's degree in psychology, Jerome can assess LGBTQIA clients' mental health, identify their needs, develop a care plan, and provide case management. Jerome could become a human services assistant, who helps individuals and families find services, support, and benefits.
Correct Answers: With a bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, or social work, Jerome could become a social worker who helps LGBTQIA clients address issues in their daily lives. Jerome could become a human services assistant, who helps individuals and families find services, support, and benefits. Incorrect Answers: With a bachelor's degree in psychology, Jerome could help clients with gender dysphoria by prescribing effective medication. With a bachelor's degree in psychology, Jerome can assess LGBTQIA clients' mental health, identify their needs, develop a care plan, and provide case management.
Dillon and Richard were both born biologically male. Dillon feels comfortable with this identity, while Richard experiences severe distress with this identity. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), (_) will be considered as experiencing gender dysphoria, a diagnostic psychological disorder term referring to individuals who demonstrate symptoms for at least six (_).
Dillon and Richard were both born biologically male. Dillon feels comfortable with this identity, while Richard experiences severe distress with this identity. According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), (only Richard) will be considered as experiencing gender dysphoria, a diagnostic psychological disorder term referring to individuals who demonstrate symptoms for at least six (months).
Match each biological factor with its influence on sexual behavior. Estrogen Hypothalamus Testosterone Gonads
Estrogen: Class of hormones that are present in higher levels in women than in men Hypothalamus: Brain region that controls the release of sex hormones Testosterone: An androgen hormone associated with sexual desire in males and females Gonads: Part of the body that secretes the sex hormones
Match each type of paraphilia with its description. Transvestitism Voyeurism Fetishism Frotteurism
Frotteurism: Sexual arousal results from touching or rubbing against another person Voyeurism: Sexual arousal occurs from watching others get undressed or engage in sexual activities Transvestitism: Sexual arousal results from dressing and acting like someone of another sex Fetishism: Sexual arousal results from focusing on nonsexual objects
Match each concept with its definition. Gender expression Gender role Gender identity Gender schema
Gender expression: The outward communication of gender using clothes and other means. Gender role: A set of social expectations about jobs and characteristics appropriate for a person of a certain gender within a culture. Gender identity: A person's thoughts and feelings about being male or female. Gender schema: Mental categories that contain gender-related information about what is associated with males or females.
Match each concept with its corresponding example. Gender schema Gender stereotype Gender expression Gender role
Gender schema: Rashida knows that some people may not expect to see men engaged in childcare. Gender stereotype: Michael believes that all women are inherently nurturing. Gender expression: Edward feels like a boy, but occasionally he likes to put nail polish on his fingernails. Gender role: Children engaged in pretend play may decide the girls should go shopping and the boys should mow the lawn.
Match each letter, taken from LGBTQIA, with its corresponding term. I T Q A
I: Intersex T: Transgender Q: Queer A: Asexual (This answer has since been outdated, as Q can stand for questioned, A for aromantic, ETC.)
In the 1950s in the United States, the first major figure in the scientific study of sex was (_). He gathered data by means of (_). A few years later, Virginia Johnson and (_) gathered data by (_) of people engaged in sexual activities. Their work provided the first detailed account of the physiology of sex, including a description of (_) in men and women.
In the 1950s in the United States, the first major figure in the scientific study of sex was (Alfred Kinsey). He gathered data by means of (surveys). A few years later, Virginia Johnson and (William Masters) gathered data by (observation) of people engaged in sexual activities. Their work provided the first detailed account of the physiology of sex, including a description of (the sexual response) cycle in men and women.
One difficulty in classifying people's sexual orientation is that sexual (_) is best thought of as (_). Another difficulty is that typical classifications of sexual orientation are based on a (_) idea of gender. In reality, biological aspects of sex and gender vary. Some who prefer not to describe their sexual orientation using standard classifications have adopted the term "(_)."
One difficulty in classifying people's sexual orientation is that sexual (attraction) is best thought of as (a continuum). Another difficulty is that typical classifications of sexual orientation are based on a (binary) idea of gender. In reality, biological aspects of sex and gender vary. Some who prefer not to describe their sexual orientation using standard classifications have adopted the term "(queer)."
Rakul, who is biologically female, tells her friends, "I am satisfied with my sexuality. I can be attracted to a man. I can also be attracted to a woman. I see beauty in both men and women." Rakul most likely will consider herself (_), partly because she experiences a high degree of (_).
Rakul, who is biologically female, tells her friends, "I am satisfied with my sexuality. I can be attracted to a man. I can also be attracted to a woman. I see beauty in both men and women." Rakul most likely will consider herself (bisexual), partly because she experiences a high degree of (sexual fluidity).
The American Psychological Association (APA) provides a set of guidelines for supporting people of all gender identities. Identify whether or not the following guidelines are recommended by the APA. One should never ask people questions about the biological elements of their sex. When one is in doubt about a person's gender identity or gender pronoun, it is okay to ask that person about the most appropriate form of address. It's appropriate to refer to people with a non-binary gender identity as transgender. It's okay to assume that certain gender identities correspond with certain sexual orientations.
Recommended by the APA: One should never ask people questions about the biological elements of their sex. When one is in doubt about a person's gender identity or gender pronoun, it is okay to ask that person about the most appropriate form of address. Not Recommended by the APA: It's appropriate to refer to people with a non-binary gender identity as transgender. It's okay to assume that certain gender identities correspond with certain sexual orientations.
Identify each sex characteristic as either secondary or primary. Deepening of males' voices and development of females' breasts. Menarche and spermarche. Pubic hair. Mature genitals.
Secondary Sex Characteristics: Deepening of males' voices and development of females' breasts. Pubic hair. Primary Sex Characteristics: Mature genitals. Menarche and spermarche.
Sexual assault is a (_) occurrence that affects people's well-being, quality of life, and education. Efforts to reduce sexual assault have emphasized affirmative consent—explicit, informed, and (_) agreement to participate in a sex act. Affirmative consent requires (_) permission before proceeding with any sex act. It is important to remember that intoxication can make affirmative consent (_).
Sexual assault is a (common) occurrence that affects people's well-being, quality of life, and education. Efforts to reduce sexual assault have emphasized affirmative consent—explicit, informed, and (voluntary) agreement to participate in a sex act. Affirmative consent requires (verbal) permission before proceeding with any sex act. It is important to remember that intoxication can make affirmative consent (unreliable).
When does a paraphilia become a psychological disorder known as a paraphilic disorder? When the paraphilia is accompanied by fantasies. When the paraphilia persists for at least six months. When the paraphilia is a source of distress. When the paraphilia causes someone harm.
Sign of Paraphilic Disorder: When the paraphilia is a source of distress. When the paraphilia causes someone harm. Not a Sign of Paraphilic Disorder: When the paraphilia is accompanied by fantasies. When the paraphilia persists for at least six months.
Identify influences that support the development of more flexible views of gender. Experiencing cultures that embrace a non-binary gender schema. Better understanding traditional gender roles by observing people behaving consistently with them. Exposure to individuals who defy traditional gender role expectations. Efforts to market children's toys in ways that make them attractive to all children.
Supports Flexible View: Experiencing cultures that embrace a non-binary gender schema. Exposure to individuals who defy traditional gender role expectations. Efforts to market children's toys in ways that make them attractive to all children. Does Not Support Flexible View: Better understanding traditional gender roles by observing people behaving consistently with them.
The class of hormones that is typically found more in males is called (_); the best-known hormone in this class is (_), which is produced by the male sex glands, called (_). The class of hormones that is usually found more in females is (_); the primary hormone is this class is called (_), which is secreted by the female sex glands, (_).
The class of hormones that is typically found more in males is called (androgens); the best-known hormone in this class is (testosterone), which is produced by the male sex glands, called (testes). The class of hormones that is usually found more in females is (estrogens); the primary hormone is this class is called (estradiol), which is secreted by the female sex glands, (ovaries).
Identify the true and false statements about the relationship between environment and a person's sexual orientation. A young boy named Ike enjoys wearing dresses and playing with dolls. It's believed that Ike will most likely find himself attracted to males later in life. Nicole and Tiffany, a lesbian couple, are raising a daughter together. It is likely that their daughter will identify as lesbian later in life. Several U.S. states and Canadian provinces have passed legislation banning the use of conversion therapy on minors. There is significant evidence that a person's sexual orientation can be successfully converted using behavioral modification therapy.
True Statements: A young boy named Ike enjoys wearing dresses and playing with dolls. It's believed that Ike will most likely find himself attracted to males later in life. Several U.S. states and Canadian provinces have passed legislation banning the use of conversion therapy on minors. False Statements: Nicole and Tiffany, a lesbian couple, are raising a daughter together. It is likely that their daughter will identify as lesbian later in life. There is significant evidence that a person's sexual orientation can be successfully converted using behavioral modification therapy.
Identify the true and false statements about asexuality. Approximately 1 in 100 people have an asexual sexual orientation. People with an asexual sexual orientation do not desire close emotional relationships with other people. More men than women identify as being asexual. Asexuality is not a personal choice.
True Statements: Asexuality is not a personal choice. Approximately 1 in 100 people have an asexual sexual orientation. False Statements: More men than women identify as being asexual. People with an asexual sexual orientation do not desire close emotional relationships with other people.
Identify the true and false statements about the relationship between hormonal influence and sexual orientation. Men who are exposed to high levels of androgens prenatally are more likely to identify as heterosexual or straight in adulthood. Exposure to high levels of androgens prenatally is associated with greater rates of same-sex attraction in women later in life. High levels of estrogens prenatally are associated with a greater likelihood that a girl will identify as lesbian or bisexual later in life.
True Statements: Exposure to high levels of androgens prenatally is associated with greater rates of same-sex attraction in women later in life. False Statements: High levels of estrogens prenatally are associated with a greater likelihood that a girl will identify as lesbian or bisexual later in life. Men who are exposed to high levels of androgens prenatally are more likely to identify as heterosexual or straight in adulthood.
Identify the true and false statements about variations in gender identity. Jennifer is biologically female and identifies as a woman. Jennifer may be considered cisgender. Sam is biologically male and identifies herself as a woman. Sam may be considered transgender. Cory states, "I am both a man and a woman." Cory may be considered to have an agender gender identity. Miley states, "I don't have a sense of being particularly male or female." Miley likely identifies as transgender.
True Statements: Jennifer is biologically female and identifies as a woman. Jennifer may be considered cisgender. Sam is biologically male and identifies herself as a woman. Sam may be considered transgender. False Statements: Cory states, "I am both a man and a woman." Cory may be considered to have an agender gender identity. Miley states, "I don't have a sense of being particularly male or female." Miley likely identifies as transgender.
Identify the true and false statements about menarche. On average, menarche occurs earlier today than it did 50 years ago. Obesity tends to delay the onset of menstruation. All women respond positively to the experience of menarche. Menarche is the first release of an egg cell from one of the ovaries.
True Statements: On average, menarche occurs earlier today than it did 50 years ago. Menarche is the first release of an egg cell from one of the ovaries. False Statements: All women respond positively to the experience of menarche. Obesity tends to delay the onset of menstruation.
Identify the true and false statements about variations in sexual orientation. Men experience more variable sexual interests, motivations, and behaviors than women. The term "homosexual" is considered the most appropriate term to refer to people who report being attracted to people of the same sex. People who are gay or lesbian primarily experience sexual attraction to same- or similar-sex individuals. All people experience sexual attraction to other people. Sexual orientation is best viewed as a continuum rather than a set of categories.
True Statements: Sexual orientation is best viewed as a continuum rather than a set of categories. People who are gay or lesbian primarily experience sexual attraction to same- or similar-sex individuals. False Statements: The term "homosexual" is considered the most appropriate term to refer to people who report being attracted to people of the same sex. All people experience sexual attraction to other people. Men experience more variable sexual interests, motivations, and behaviors than women.
Identify the genetic and hormonal variations that result in non-binary differences in sexual development. Turner syndrome androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) Klinefelter syndrome congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
Turner syndrome: Individuals with this genetic variation are born with female genitals, but they do not develop many secondary sex characteristics that are typical in women. androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS): Individuals with this DSD are genetically male but may be born with genitals that look more like a vagina. Klinefelter syndrome: Individuals with this genetic variation experience typical male development until puberty but develop secondary sex characteristics more typical of women. congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): Individuals with this difference in sexual development (DSD) are genetically female but develop ambiguous genitals or genitals that look like a penis.
With a few exceptions, most states in the United States recognize only two categories of gender. In contrast, India and Bangladesh recognize a third group of people called (_), who think of themselves as being (_). They are legally considered (_).
With a few exceptions, most states in the United States recognize only two categories of gender. In contrast, India and Bangladesh recognize a third group of people called (hijra), who think of themselves as being (between male and female). They are legally considered (a third gender).
Match each atypicality in sex chromosomes or hormones with its appropriate description. androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS) Turner syndrome Klinefelter syndrome congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH): A baby who has XX sex chromosomes and genitals that look like a penis Klinefelter syndrome: A baby with XXY sex chromosomes Turner syndrome: A baby with XO sex chromosomes androgen insensitivity syndrome (AIS): A baby who has XY sex chromosomes and genitals that look like a vagina
