PSYC 5 Lecture Notes - Lecture 3: Human Sexual Activity, Permissive Society, Human Sexuality
Document Summary
Interested in studying from an anthological and ethnological perspective what the sexual. Anthropological and ethnological studies in society look at what it is they believe, what they do, their justifications, how their systems work, etc. Provides insight into the ways in which culture influences sexual behaviour: ethnocentrism, belief that your own culture is the norm and better than others. Use your own culture a reference point when analyzing other cultures: topless beaches are the norm in europe but not in canada, polygamy is the norm in some cultures but is illegal in canada. Usually the husband/wife is chosen by the family not the individual. However, around the world it is the minority: diversity and universality of sexual norms. Illustrates the importance of learning in shaping human sexual behaviour. Anthropologist will categorize using these 2 continuums: permissive ----- restrictive continuum, permissive societies are characterized by positive and tolerant attitudes towards freedom of sexual expression.
