Chapter 2: Theoretical perspectives on sexuality

Question 1

Sociobiology

Answer 1

The application of evolutionary biology to understanding the social behavior of animals, including humans.

Question 2

Evolution

Answer 2

A theory that all living things have acquired their present forms through gradual changes in their genetic endowment over successive generations.

Question 3

Natural selection

Answer 3

A process in nature resulting in greater rates of survival of those plants and animals that are best adapted to their environment.

Question 4

Parental investment

Answer 4

In evolutionary theories, behaviors or other investments in the offspring by the parent that increase the offspring’s chance of survival.

Question 5

Sexual selection

Answer 5

A specific type of selection that creates differences between males and females.

Question 6

Evolutionary psychology

Answer 6

The study of psychological mechanisms that have been shaped by evolution.

Question 7

Psychoanalytic theory

Answer 7

A psychological theory originated by Sigmund Freud; it contains a basic assumption that part of human personality is unconscious.

Question 8

Libido

Answer 8

In psychoanalytic theory, the term for the sex energy or sex drive.

Question 9

Id

Answer 9

According to Freud, the part of the personality containing the libido.

Question 10

Ego

Answer 10

According to Freud, the part of the personality that helps the person have realistic, rational interactions.

Question 11

Superego

Answer 11

According to Freud, the part of the personality containing the conscience.

Question 12

Erogenous zones

Answer 12

Areas of the body that are particularly sensitive to sexual stimulation.

Question 13

Oedipus complex

Answer 13

According to Freud, the sexual attraction of a little boy for his mother.

Question 14

Electra complex

Answer 14

According to Freud, the sexual attraction of a little girl for her father.

Question 15

Classical conditioning

Answer 15

The learning process in which a previously neutral stimulus (> conditioned stimulus) is repeatedly pared with an unconditioned stimulus that reflexively elicits an unconditioned response. Eventually the conditioned stimulus itself will evoke the response.

Question 16

Operant conditioning

Answer 16

The process of changing the frequency of a behavior (the operant) by following it with positive reinforcement (which will make the behavior more frequent in the future) or punishment (which should make the behavior less frequent in the future).

Question 17

Behavioral modification

Answer 17

A set of operant conditioning techniques used to modify human behavior.

Question 18

Self-efficacy

Answer 18

A sense of competence at performing an activity.

Question 19

Social exchange theory

Answer 19

A theory, based on the principle of reinforcement, that assumes that people will choose actions that maximize rewards and minimize costs.

Question 20

Schema

Answer 20

A general knowledge framework that a person has about a particular topic.

Question 21

Intersextionality

Answer 21

An approach that simultaneously considers the consequences of multiple group memberships, e.g., the intersection of gender and ethnicity.

Question 22

Performativity

Answer 22

Ways in which we perform gender or sexuality based on society’s norms, much as actors perform in a play.

Question 23

Heteronormativity

Answer 23

The belief that heterosexuality is the only pattern that is normal and natural.

Question 24

Symbolic interaction theory

Answer 24

A theory based on the premise that human behavior and the social order are products of communication among people. Also called symbolic interactionism.