Unit 1
Critical Research Perspectives on Human Sexualities

Unit 1 examines the multitude of behaviours, feelings, attitudes, values, and belief systems that constitute sexuality in human beings. Sexuality is a universal human experience, yet many people have great difficulty discussing it. Because sexuality can be thought about and studied in many different ways, it is also important to be able to conduct a critical analysis of the information available on this subject.

This unit explores the perspectives of the essentialists and the constructivists, and whether or not humans regard sexuality as simply a result of nature. It looks at some of the work done on cross-cultural sexualities by Ruth Benedict, an early pioneer in the study of sexuality, and concludes with a look at Michel Foucault's (a postmodern theorist) contribution to the study of sexuality and power, and the role dualism has played in the cultural assumptions that inform our research into sexuality.

Objectives

When you have completed the study activities for Unit 1, you should be able to

1. express an understanding of sexuality as a multidimensional process that includes biological, social, and political processes.
2. summarize the divergent explanations given for studying human sexualities.
3. explain how historical knowledge can influence and inform modern individuals.
4. summarize the essentialist and constructionist perspectives.
5. outline Foucault's contribution to the study of sexuality.
6. describe how scientists gender their metaphors when discussing reproduction.
7. hypothesize how dualism can be overcome.