Question 1

Which of the following is true of "two-spirits"?

Accepted Answer

Two-spirits were respected as fundamental components of Native American cultures, and were often given important roles in tribal societies. They were viewed as having both male and female spirits within them, and were often considered spiritual leaders or healers.

Question 2

Because human sexual activity has such diversity, most sex researchers have advocated that in place of such terms as normal/abnormal or natural/unnatural, we use the term

Accepted Answer

The term "sexual variation" is appropriate because it acknowledges the diversity of human sexual activity without making value judgments about what is "normal" or "natural". The other options carry a moral connotation and may stigmatize individuals who engage in certain behaviors. "Sexual deviancy" implies that certain behaviors are inherently wrong or abnormal, while "sexual anomaly" carries a negative connotation of being abnormal or abnormality.

Question 3

Myra's parents belong to the Mehinaku tribe of the Amazon rain forest. Though the family is settled in the suburbs, the parents still value their tribe's culture. When they see Myra kissing a boy, they disapprove of it and ground her. Which of the following is a likely explanation for their behavior?

Accepted Answer

The Mehinaku tribe has unique cultural norms and practices, one of which includes the perception of kissing as a disgusting act, not commonly practiced within their culture. This cultural belief likely influences Myra's parents' reaction to her behavior.

Question 4

An individual models his behavior after Christ and sets it as norm. He tries to be perfect by sticking to actions that are in accordance with the norm. However, if his actions deviate even slightly from the norm, he feels extreme guilt and shame. According to Leonore Tiefer, this person exemplifies the

Accepted Answer

Leonore Tiefer's concept of idealistically "normal" behavior refers to the idea of setting an unattainable standard of perfection based on an ideal, in this case, modeling behavior after Christ. When individuals strive for this level of perfection and fail to meet it, they may experience extreme guilt and shame, as described in the scenario.

Question 5

Thirteen-year-old Diego starts smoking after being influenced by advertisements that suggest women prefer men who smoke. Which of the following is true of Diego's habit of smoking?

Accepted Answer

Diego's belief that smoking will make him more attractive to women is a common misconception perpetuated by tobacco advertising. However, smoking can actually have negative effects on sexual health, including erectile dysfunction and decreased fertility. Additionally, smoking is a leading cause of preventable death and can lead to a range of other health problems.

Question 6

Which of the following statements about same-sex relationships in ancient Greece is accurate?

Accepted Answer

Same-sex relationships, particularly those between older men and adolescent boys, were often idealized in ancient Greek society, especially within certain city-states like Athens. These relationships, known as pederasty, were considered educational and a rite of passage, embodying a form of love and mentorship rather than being seen as substitutes for heterosexual marriage or as criminal behavior.

Question 7

It is 650 BCE, and Marcus is a young Grecian pledged for marriage. Traditions of ancient Greece viewed wives as domestics and bearers of children. Therefore, to satisfy his sexual pleasure, Marcus is most likely to

Accepted Answer

Since wives were viewed as domestics and bearers of children, most men turned to courtesans or hetaerae for sexual pleasure. These women were known for their beauty, charm, and sexual skills, and were often educated and skilled in conversation and music as well. Marrying another woman or seducing other men's wives would have been socially unacceptable and viewed as a violation of honor and morality, while viewing erotic wall murals would have been considered vulgar and low-brow.

Question 8

The measure of ________ explains why an individual's notions of normalcy do not always agree with those of people from other countries, religions, communities, and historical periods.

Accepted Answer

The term "cultural norm" refers to what is considered normal behavior within a particular culture or society. It is influenced by a variety of factors such as history, religion, geography, and social norms. Therefore, an individual's notions of normalcy do not always agree with those of people from other countries, religions, communities, and historical periods due to differences in cultural norms. Idealistic, communal, and clinical norms are more specific and do not encompass the broader range of cultural differences.

Question 9

Normal sexual behavior is that which

Accepted Answer

Normal sexual behavior is typically defined by what is average or median within a group, reflecting the most common practices or tendencies among its members.

Question 10

What does information about the ancient Grecians and the Sambians suggest about sexual orientation?

Accepted Answer

The information about the ancient Grecians and the Sambians suggests that same-sex sexual behavior can have different social and personal significance in different cultures, indicating that culture plays an important role in shaping and defining sexual orientation. It does not support the other options.

Question 11

Sex researchers view sexual behaviors

Accepted Answer

Sex researchers typically view sexual behaviors on a continuum ranging from typical to atypical of a specific group. This approach acknowledges that what is considered typical or normal can vary widely between cultures and societies. It also recognizes that certain behaviors may be more or less common within specific groups or populations. This approach allows for a more nuanced understanding of sexual behavior and helps to avoid pathologizing behaviors that may be perfectly healthy and normal for certain individuals or groups.

Question 12

Among the Sambians, adolescent males typically have sexual contact with

Accepted Answer

Among the Sambians, adolescent males have sexual contact with both males and females as a part of their initiation into manhood. This sexual activity is seen as a necessary passage for boys to become warriors and gain strength. However, it is important to note that these practices are culturally specific and not universal.

Question 13

Which of the following examples accurately depicts the sexual orientation of the Sambians of New Guinea?

Accepted Answer

The Sambians of New Guinea practice a form of homosexuality as part of their initiation rites, in which young boys are expected to engage in sexual activities with older boys and continue to do so until they reach adolescence. After that, they are expected to engage in sexual activities with females only. Therefore, option A accurately depicts the sexual orientation of Sambians.

Question 14

Which of the following statements is true of natural sexual behavior?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following statements is true...

Question 15

According to psychologist Leonore Tiefer, which of the following statements is true of statistically "normal" behavior?

Accepted Answer

Leonore Tiefer's view is that statistically "normal" behavior refers to behaviors that are commonly exhibited by the majority of people in a particular population. Therefore, behaviors that are not common or deviate significantly from what is considered common are considered abnormal.

Question 16

Which of the following statements is true of the Sambians of New Guinea?

Accepted Answer

The Sambians believe in male-to-male semen ingestion as a necessary ritual for boys to become men. This is known as "ritual homosexuality" and is a cultural tradition in Sambia. However, it is not the same as sexual orientation or same-sex relationships, which are not necessarily viewed as the highest form of love. There is no evidence suggesting that Sambian women experience a decline in sexual desire during adulthood, and the statement that Sambian males start sexual relationships with other males during adolescence is misleading, as it implies a Western understanding of sexual orientation rather than a cultural practice.

Question 17

A phenomenon in which a person intends to live through actions, dress, hormone therapy, or surgery as a gender other than that which he or she was assigned at birth is known as

Accepted Answer

Transsexuality involves the desire to live as a gender other than the one assigned at birth, often through hormonal therapy or surgery. This is a distinct phenomenon from transvestism, which involves dressing in clothing typically associated with the opposite sex, but not necessarily desiring to permanently live as that gender. Homosexuality refers to sexual attraction to individuals of the same gender, while genital anomaly describes physical characteristics of the reproductive organs that deviate from typical male or female anatomy.

Question 18

Don has unique sexual fantasies. Ruth has developed an unusual technique for masturbation. Silas and Patrick are most aroused if they make love during rainstorms. These examples demonstrate that human sexuality is characterized by

Accepted Answer

The examples given demonstrate that human sexuality is characterized by variety and diversity, as individuals have different sexual desires and preferences. This does not necessarily mean that these desires are abnormal or immoral.

Question 19

In the late 1800s, oral sex or stimulation of genitals orally was taboo and viewed as a shameful act. Today, most of the population indulges in oral sex, and it has become an acceptable behavior. According to Leonore Tiefer, the act of oral sex is a(n)

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the late 1800s, oral sex or...

Question 20

A person is anatomically a man but identifies as a woman. He assumes female dress and gender role. In his culture, he has high status and privileges, and it is believed that he has great spiritual power. This man is likely to be

Accepted Answer

The description fits a two-spirit, which is a term used by some Indigenous North Americans to describe individuals who have both male and female spirits or who identify as having a third gender. Two-spirits traditionally held a respected and honored role in their communities, often serving as healers, teachers, and spiritual leaders.

Quiz 1: Perspectives on Human Sexuality