Question 1

The Bible contains virtually no injunctions against variant sexual behavior.

Accepted Answer

The Bible contains several injunctions against variant sexual behavior, including but not limited to homosexuality, bestiality, and adultery.

Question 2

The distinction between constructionism and essentialism does not apply to sexual behavior or sexual deviance.

Accepted Answer

The distinction between constructionism and essentialism can apply to sexual behavior and sexual deviance. Constructionism suggests that identity and behavior are socially constructed and subject to change over time, while essentialism suggests that identity and behavior are innate and unchanging. These theoretical perspectives can inform our understanding of sexual orientation, gender identity, and sexual behavior, among other topics.

Question 3

The designation of sexual disorders and dysfunctions is exactly the same as what sociologists mean by sexual deviance.

Accepted Answer

While there may be some overlap, the terms "sexual disorders and dysfunctions" and "sexual deviance" have different meanings. "Sexual disorders and dysfunctions" refer to diagnosable and treatable conditions that interfere with sexual functioning, while "sexual deviance" refers to behaviors or beliefs that diverge from societal norms or expectations.

Question 4

In the last 20 years or so, the percentage of the American population who believes that homosexual relations should be against the law has decreased.

Accepted Answer

According to a Gallup poll conducted in 2020, only 17% of Americans believe that homosexual relations should be against the law, which is a significant decrease from the 70% who held this belief in 1996.

Question 5

In the past 20 years or so, the percentage of the American population who believes that homosexuality should be regarded as an "accepted lifestyle" has increased.

Accepted Answer

According to surveys conducted by Pew Research Center, the percentage of Americans who believe that homosexuality should be accepted has increased from 54% in 2001 to 72% in 2021.

Question 6

In Western society, homosexuality is decreasingly regarded as a form of deviance; it is in fact, "departing from deviance"

Accepted Answer

Over the last few decades, Western society has become more accepting of homosexuality and it is no longer seen as a form of deviance by most people. As a result, it can be considered as "departing from deviance."

Question 7

Most Americans disapprove of extramarital sex; to them, it is a form of deviance.

Accepted Answer

According to various polls and surveys, the majority of Americans disapprove of extramarital sex and consider it a form of deviance.

Question 8

The majority of married persons are sexually faithful to their spouses for the entire length of their marriages.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that most married individuals are sexually faithful to their spouse throughout the duration of their marriage. However, there are exceptions and instances of infidelity do occur in some marriages.

Question 9

To the constructionist, the most important issue about human sexuality is the meaning we infuse into sex.

Accepted Answer

According to the constructionist perspective, human sexuality is not solely a biological or physical aspect, but rather a cultural and social construct that is shaped by our beliefs, values, and experiences. Therefore, the meaning we attach to sex is considered as the most significant factor in defining and understanding human sexuality.

Question 10

Evolutionary psychologists argue that jealousy has been "hard-wired" into humans as a means of maximizing the likelihood that a given sexual partner's genes will be passed down to later generations.

Accepted Answer

This is a commonly held belief among evolutionary psychologists, who argue that jealousy evolved as a means of preventing one's mate from engaging in extramarital or extrapair copulations, which could lead to the diversion of resources away from one's own offspring and reduce the quality of one's offspring's genes.

Question 11

In a majority of societies around the world, most married persons have been sexually unfaithful to their spouses; most have engaged in sexual intercourse at least one time during their marriages.

Accepted Answer

Surveys and studies on marital fidelity indicate that while infidelity does occur, it is not accurate to say that a majority of married individuals in societies around the world have been sexually unfaithful. Rates of infidelity vary widely among different cultures and studies.

Question 12

According to the constructionist, sexuality is in the service of the social world.

Accepted Answer

Constructionists argue that sexuality is not solely determined by biology, but rather shaped by social and cultural norms, beliefs, and values. Therefore, sexuality is seen as serving the needs and goals of the social world in which it is situated.

Question 13

Critics of the sociology of deviance have argued that the field's researchers have devoted far too much attention to sexual deviance.

Accepted Answer

Some critics argue that too much attention has been paid to sexual deviance in the sociology of deviance, at the expense of other important areas of research.

Question 14

The sociologist's definition of sexual deviance carries no implication whatsoever of pathology or psychological disorder.

Accepted Answer

The sociologist's definition of sexual deviance is based on societal norms and values, not on medical or psychological criteria. It does not imply any kind of pathology or disorder.

Question 15

Feminists regard sex work as degrading, oppressive-an expression of patriarchal privilege.

Accepted Answer

Feminist discourse generally views sex work as an example of male dominance over women, objectification, and exploitation. Feminists argue that, regardless of the circumstances or conditions, sex work takes advantage of women's bodies and sexuality and thus perpetuates gender inequality.

Question 16

Alexamder Liazos, a Marxist, argued that sociologists should pay more attention to sex work.

Accepted Answer

Alexander Liazos was a sociologist known for his critical perspective on deviance, arguing that sociologists should focus more on the actions of powerful groups rather than marginalized ones. His work did not specifically emphasize sex work but rather critiqued the labeling and treatment of deviants by society.

Question 17

Many feminists have a difficult time accepting the viability of the concept of "sex work."

Accepted Answer

Many feminists argue that there is no such thing as consensual sex work, and that it is always exploitative and oppressive towards women.

Question 18

The "Sex in America" survey, eventually conducted in the 1990s, was defunded by the federal government because Jesse Helms, a conservative southern senator, believed its agenda was to legitimate and normalize gay sex.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. Jesse Helms, a conservative southern senator, was opposed to the "Sex in America" survey and defunded it because he believed it would promote or normalize sexual behaviors, including gay sex, that he deemed unacceptable.

Question 19

The "Sex in America" survey discovered that American sexual practices were a great deal more unconventional than most people expected.

Accepted Answer

The "Sex in America" survey actually found that American sexual practices were more conventional and less varied than many people had expected, challenging some of the prevailing myths about sexual behavior in the United States.

Question 20

The most consistent finding of the "Sex in America" survey was that people usually have sex with partners who are (gender aside) much like themselves in most ways.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true according to the "Sex in America" survey.

Quiz 8: Sexual Deviance