Lesson 3: Sex and Human Sexuality

“Sexuality is one of the fundamental

drives behind everyone’s feelings,
thoughts, and actions. It defined the
means of biological reproduction,
describes psychological and sociological
representations of self, and orients a
person’s attraction to others.
Further, it shapes the brain and body to
be pleasure-seeking. Yet, as important
as sexuality is to being human, it is
often viewed as a taboo topic for
personal or scientific inquiry”
- Lucas and Fox, Northwest Vista
College
Sex makes the world go around:
It makes babies bond, children
giggle, adolescents flirt, and
adults have babies. It is
addressed in the Holy Books of
the world’s greatest religions,
and it infiltrates every part of
the society. It influences the
way one dress, joke, and talk. In
many ways, sex defines who we
are. It is so important, that
eminent neuropsychologist Karl
Pribram (1958) described sex
as one of the four basis human
drive states.
Drive states motivates us to
accomplish goals. They are linked to
our survival. According to Pribram,
feeding, fighting, fleeing, and sex are
four drives behind every thought,
feeling, or action. Since these drives
are so closely associated with our
psychological health, you would
assume people would study,
understand, and discuss them openly.
Your assumption would be generally
correct for three of the four drives.
The concept of sexuality, however, is
the least understood, and least openly
discussed.
This module presents an
opportunity for you to think
openly and objectively about
sex. Without shame or taboo,
using science as a lenses, we
examine the fundamental
aspects of human sexuality. We
begin by exploring Sex, Gender,
and Sexual Orientation, as three
different parts of our Sexual
selves.
LESSON 3. Part I. Sex as the Biological Component of Sexuality

Sex – refers to biological characteristics differentiating male, female,

or intersex; describe means of biological reproduction; includes
sexual organs, such as ovaries

Types of Sex
1. Male
2. Female
3. Intersex – people with chromosomes, anatomy, or other sex
characteristics that can’t be categorized as male or female (*Klinefelter,
Androgen insensitivity syndrome, classical congenital hyperplasia, Ovotestes, etc.)

Sex at Birth: often assigned based on external genetalia; anatomical

sex and phenotype (composite observable characteristics of an
organism)
Biological Differences between
male and female:
1. External Genetalia
2. Reproductive System
3. Sex-linked Chromosomes
4. Hormone levels
5. Brain Differences
6. Secondary Sex Characteristics
Sex Identification of Typical Cases – an infant
is either born male or female; sex at birth is often
easily identified by examining the external
genetalia

Sex Identification of Atypical Cases – an infant

is either born with ambiguous sexual
characteristics, making categorization to male or
female difficult or impossible at the time of birth;
further tests and observations may be required

Intersex – a general term used for a variety of

conditions in which a person is born with a
reproductive or sexual anatomy that doesn't
seem to fit the typical definitions of female or
male.
Physical Attractiveness – the aesthetic evaluation of
physical appearance.

Body-image – the perception that a person has of their

physical self and the thoughts and feelings that result from
that perception. These feelings can be positive, negative, or
both, and are influence by individual and environmental
factors.

Body Shaming – the act of discrimination based on physical

attributes; expression of mockery or criticism about a
person’s body shape or size.

Gender Dysphoria – a profound state of unease or

dissatisfaction over one’s ascribed sex

Body dysmorphic disorder – a mental health disorder in

which you can't stop thinking about one or more perceived
defects or flaws in your appearance — a flaw that appears
minor or can't be seen by others.
Activity 6: Best Part of Me Instructions Fill-out the table below:

Instructions
Fill-out the table below:
 What have you noticed about your
pattern of thinking, feeling and acting
towards your most favorite and least
favorite body part?

Are you comfortable answering the

questions? What makes you comfortable /
uncomfortable? How do you feel about your
answers? Do you think any of your thought,
feeling, or acting needs changing? Why?

What aspect of society do you think influenced your

attitude towards your least favorite
and most favorite body part?
Synthesis:
It is possible for people to underestimate how
attractive they could be to someone. Television,
movies, magazines, and even pornography can
lead people to believe that there are only
certain body types that deserve attention.
However, one’s body type doesn’t dictate one’s
worth as a person; neither does it dictate one’s
worth of being in a romantic or sexual
relationship.

Our body image has a strong influence on

how we behave towards ourselves as well as
towards others. How we see ourselves often
affect the degree of confidence with which we
carry ourselves in the presence of others; it
also affects the degree of confidence we
experience internally.
Synthesis:
Nevertheless, the effect of improving one’s body image goes beyond
raising one’s self-esteem. One major area where body image comes
into play is how we navigate through various sex-related
experiences; from courtship, to dating, to marriage or consensual
sexual activity. For instance, several studies show that among
women who dislike or feel shameful about their bodies, sexual risk-
taking is higher. Individuals with poorer body image are also more
likely to resort to substance use and abuse to cope with the often-
present sense of inferiority. Schreber (2019), noted: “when we do
not feel compelled to compensate for an emptiness brought about by
poor body image, we are less likely to engage in behaviors that pose
potential harm to physical and mental health.”

Improving your body image can take a lot of work. Rather than
looking for someone from the outside to prove your attractiveness to
you, it’s important to discover this first. What do you appreciate
most about your body? Orient to what you appreciate the most, even
when you can’t appreciate it fully at first. If you focus on a little more
appreciation, you can set yourself up on a trajectory for self
appreciation and eventually to healthy levels of self-worth.
© Michael Salas, 2018
© Catherine Schreiber, 2019
LESSON 3. Part 2. Sexuality,
Sexual Orientation and Sexual
Behavior

• Early identification theories few explicit

distinctions among gender identity, gender role
and sexual orientation; all three are considered
aspects of identification with the same sex
parent. Researchers now acknowledge, however,
that the three issues are conceptually separate
and, in fact not necessarily correlated.
Sexuality – a person’s capacity for sexual feelings
Sexual Orientation – refers to a person’s capacity to arouse
the sexual interest of another, or, conversely, the sexual
interest one feels towards another. It is also defined as “an
enduring pattern of romantic or sexual attraction (or a
combination of these); that is believed to be independent of cultural and
other social experiences.”

“Despite the early theorists’ equation of male homosexuality with femininity,

sexual orientation does not necessarily correlate with either gender identity or
gender role (for example, a woman who is sexually attracted to other women
usually has no conflict or uncertainty about whether she is indeed
female and may or may not adhere to aspects of the traditional feminine
gender role).”

Erogenous Zones – areas in the body that results in sexual

pleasure when manipulated

* While some argue that sexual attraction is primarily driven by

reproduction, empirical studies point to pleasure as the primary force
behind our sex drive. Sexual Orientation is as diverse as gender identity.
 On Sexual Fluidity:
Although a
On Sex and Gender: person’s intimate
It is common to behavior may have
use the terms sex sexual fluidity
and gender (changing due to
interchangeably; circumstances),
however, in sexual orientations
modern usage, are relatively stable
these terms are across the lifespan,
distinct from one
another. Sex and and are genetically
gender are rooted.
important aspects
of a person’s
identity, but it
does not tell us
about a person’s
sexual orientation.
Sexual Preference – a degree of voluntary choice regarding sexual partners; may be
influenced by social systems like religion, language, and ethnic traditions.

Sexual Identity – Individuals may or may not consider their sexual orientation to
define their identity, as they may experience various degrees of fluidity with sexuality,
or simply identify more strongly as other aspects of their identity such as a family role.

Sexual Behavior – the act of engagement in sexual activity, typically involving the
stimulation of erogenous zone to derive sexual pleasure between partners or with
oneself.

Common Types of Sexual Behavior

1. Sexual Fantasies – any mental imagery that is sexually arousing
2. Masturbation – tactile stimulation of the body for sexual pleasure
3. Coital sex – the term for vaginal-penile intercourse
4. Oral sex – oral stimulation of male or female sexual organ
5. Anal sex – defined as penetration by the anus of an object (stimulates the
sensory nerve of
the anus)
Society and Sexual Behavior
• Sexual behavior considered normal depends on culture.

Cultural Attitudes towards Sexual Behavior

1. Sexually restrictive cultures – often possess a more rigid
outlook on sexuality along with a dominantly negative
attitude towards any form of sexual expression and/or
activity. Sex may be seen as taboo, and related behaviors
may be strictly regulated or prohibited altogether.
2. Sexually permissive cultures – often hold more progressive
views and attitudes towards sexuality and exhibit more
leniency in evaluation and regulation of sex-related behavior.
Sophia Xepoleas (retrieved, 2015)
• Societies generally have norms that reinforce their accepted
social system of sexuality.
• What is considered normal in terms of sexual behavior is based
on the mores and values of the society
• Individuals are socialized to sexual attitudes by their family,
education system, peers, media, and religion
• Historically, religion has been the greatest influence in sexual
behaviors of most societies, but in more recent years, peers and
media have emerged as two of the strongest influences

• Normative standards on sexual behavior differ across the world

Example: Non-Western societies – such as India and China – valued Chastity
in a potential mate, while western European countries – such as
Sweden and Norway – place little value on prior sexual experiences
Sexuality and Religion: Catholic Teachings on Sexuality
Roman Catholic Church believes that “Human life and
human sexuality are
inseparable. Since God created man in His own image, the human
body and sex must likewise be good.”

• Same-sex marriage: The Catholic Church considers sexual activity

between members of the same sex as a sin; marriage is defined as “a
covenant by which a man and woman establish between themselves a
partnership of the whole of life and which is ordered by its nature to the
good of the spouses and to the procreation and education of offspring.”

• Premarital Sex: The Catholic Church disapproves of fornication (sexual

intercourse between two people not married to each other), calling it
“gravely contrary to the dignity of persons and human sexuality.”

• Age of Sexual Consent: 12 years old

Sexuality and Religion: Catholic Teachings on Sexuality

• Homosexuality: The Catholic Church welcomes celibate

gay and lesbian people but condemns homosexual acts.
- “Homosexual persons are called to chastity. Such person
must be accepted with respect and sensitivity.”
- “Homosexual acts are intrinsically immoral and contrary to
natural law”

• Masturbation and Birth Control: The Catholic Church

sees masturbation as sinful and disapproves of “Artificial”
means of birth control.

• Incest: The Catholic Church disapproves of and does not

recognize any form of incestuous relationships
Sexuality and Mental Health
DSMV – the official manual for diagnosis of mental health
disorders. Mental Health Disorders Associated with
Gender Identity and Sexual Orientation
1. Gender Dysphoria – the distress a person feels due to
a mismatch between gender identity and their sex
assigned at birth.
Gender Non-conformity vs. Gender Dysphoria:
differentiated by clinically significant
distress.

2. Transsexualism – desire to live and be accepted as a

member of the opposite sex, usually accompanied by
the desire for surgery and hormonal treatment.
3. Gender Identity Disorder of Childhood –
persistence and intense distress about one’s assigned
gender, manifested prior to puberty.
4. Sexual Maturation Disorder – Uncertainty about
one’s gender identity or sexual orientation, causing
anxiety or distress.
Sexuality and Health Sexually Symptoms of
Risky Sexual Behaviors:
Transmitted STD:
1. Unprotected sex-work Diseases (STD) 1. Pain or
➢ Medical Dangers: Increased risk of STD discomfort
– a condition during sex or
passed from one urination
2. Multiple Sexual Partners / Anonymous partners
person to another 2. Sore, bumps, or
➢ Medical Dangers: Increased risk of STD
through sexual rashes on or
3. Ellicit drug use
contact around the
➢ Medical Dangers:
penis/vagina
- Irreversible damage to the central nervous system 3. Unusual
- Increase risk of heart attack and stroke discharge or
bleeding from
the
4. Penile-anal sex
penis/vagina
➢ Medical Dangers:
- High risk for Infection 4. Painful or
- Damage to anus and rectum
swollen testicles
- Increased risk of STD
Most Common Types of STDs
1. Chlamydia
2. HPV / Human Papillovirus
3. Syphilis
4. HIV
5. Gonorrhea
6. Pubic Lice
7. Trichomoniasis
8. Herpes
Activity 7: Radio Drama: Noon at Ngayon (Recorded)

Instructions:
Come up with a 3-minute radio drama to describe and contrast Filipino attitudes to
sexuality
in the past and at present. Choose among the topics:
a. Cohabitation
b. Pregnancy Outside Wedlock
c. Attitude towards Virginity in selection of long-term romantic partners
d. Same-sex relationship
e. Expression of one’s LGBTQ gender Identity

Guidelines:
• The three-minute program should present not less than 2 but not more than 5
scenarios under the same category.
• Music, sound effect, or script may be used as transition between scenario Rules are strictly observed:
• Each scenario must portray changes in Filipino values on dating and sexuality, ✓ No obscene language
in the past (70’s, 80’s or 90’s) and in the present (2020). ✓ No sexual sounds
• Answer the processing questions and send it with your Radio Drama. ✓ No portrayal of sexual behavior
✓ No duplication of scenes
Top 3 Best Works will be featured and discussed ✓ Your work should be recorded in
mp3 format and submitted to the
in class and earn additional points. official email of your class.
 What does your Radio Drama reveal
about values and attitudes of today’s
generation regarding your selected topic?

Do you agree with these changes? Do you

think people should revisit the Filipino
values in the past or accept the emerging
Filipino values at present?

What does this tell us about our spiritual or religious

convictions? What is your personal view
on this matter?
Synthesis:

As a predominantly Christian country, Philippines

considers that the only sexual behavior morally
and legally acceptable and appropriate is
heterosexual intercourse within a monogamous
marriage, with the exemption of polygamous
marriage as practiced by some Filipino minority
groups and by Muslim communities. Nevertheless,
the attitudes of today’s Filipinos appear to have
become more tolerant of behaviors that used to
be strongly frowned upon or condemned in the
past. While majority of the older generation
appear to remain committed to more or less
traditional outlook, young people are faced with
the decision to either ascribe to their parents’ and
caregivers’ attitudes and value system, to conform
with the emerging ideals brought about by this
information age, or to consciously define their own
moral standards based on personal opinions,
moral principles, spiritual or religious convictions,
direct or indirect observations, and related
experiences.