Question 1

Some envision sex workers walking on the street, trying to solicit strangers for money in exchange for sex. The account of the hostess bars in Japan offers a different portrait of sex workers. What are these hostesses selling that makes them part of the sex industry and, thus, sex workers?

Accepted Answer

Hostesses in Japan are not selling the physical act of sex, but rather they are selling the idea of sex through their flirtatious behavior and conversations with clients. They are part of the larger sex industry because their work involves erotic and sexual interactions with customers. Although they may serve alcohol, this is not what defines them as sex workers.

Question 2

The spread of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such HIV/AIDS, is a global challenge. Some areas of the world are experiencing higher rates of STIs than others. What might be one of the reasons for these increases?

Accepted Answer

Different cultural and societal norms regarding sexual behavior and what constitutes "sex" can lead to varying rates of STIs in different areas of the world. For example, some locations may have a higher incidence of unprotected anal sex or commercial sex work, which increase the risk of contracting STIs. Additionally, stigma surrounding STIs may discourage people from seeking testing or treatment, further contributing to the spread of infections.

Question 3

Philosopher Michel Foucault describes sexuality as "an especially dense transfer point for relations of power." Discuss his claim. How does the private act of sex become a transfer point for power? What are the public channels in which we might expect to observe this process?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Philosopher Michel Foucault describes sexuality as "an...

Question 4

In Kano, Nigeria, Rudolf Gaudio found that men who have sex with other men use a special "code word" to describe themselves. What is that word?

Accepted Answer

"Masu harka" is the term used by men who have sex with other men in Kano, Nigeria, as identified by Rudolf Gaudio.

Question 5

Using historical and cross-cultural examples provided in the text, evaluate the anthropological approach to sexuality. What do historical and cross-cultural cases of sexuality tell us about sexual norms? Did you learn anything in this chapter about sexuality that you had previously taken for granted? If so, what did you learn? If not, provide an example of something discussed in the chapter that you think someone might be surprised to learn.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Using historical and cross-cultural examples provided in...

Question 6

Gloria Wekker's work in Suriname has led her to suggest that the imposition of our "Western folk knowledge" places limits on how we understand sexuality. What does she urge students of sexuality to do instead?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Gloria Wekker's work in Suriname has led...

Question 7

In which ways does scientist and author Jared Diamond suggest that human sexuality is distinct from other mammals? Identify three ways in which humans differ from most other mammals, and discuss the possible implications of these distinctions as they intersect with other areas of interest for cultural anthropologists (e.g., kinship, gender, class, and religion).

Accepted Answer

The answer of In which ways does scientist and author...

Question 8

Compare and contrast the perspective on human sexuality offered by evolutionary biologists and cultural constructionists. What factors do evolutionary biologists study to learn more about human sexuality? How does this compare to the factors an anthropologist with a cultural constructionist perspective might investigate? Which approach do you find most valuable?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Compare and contrast the perspective on human...

Question 9

What strategies did European colonizers use to control the sexual practices of people under their rule? Discuss the role of colonialism in how ideas about sexuality were altered in colonial domains such as Nigeria and Suriname. How does attention to intersectionality in this case help to illuminate the connection between power and sexuality?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What strategies did European colonizers use to...

Question 10

In the research by anthropologist Denise Brennan, both Dominican sex workers and the sex tourists have fantasies that define their work. What do many sex workers fantasize about?

Accepted Answer

Many sex workers fantasize about marrying a tourist and starting a new life, as this represents a potential escape from their current circumstances and an opportunity for a better future.

Question 11

How did sexology contribute to establishing heterosexuality as the dominant erotic ideal in the United States? Despite his findings that human sexuality is marked by diversity, flexibility, and fluidity, in what two ways did Kinsey's research contribute to the establishment of heterosexuality as the dominant erotic ideal? Do you think this ideal remains in U.S. culture today? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How did sexology contribute to establishing heterosexuality...

Question 12

According to Chrys Ingraham, the heterosexual imagery in "white weddings" makes the patterns of heterosexuality seem natural and unchanging, rather than cultural. Which wedding ritual helps normalize the idea that men have more power than women?

Accepted Answer

The tradition of the father walking the bride down the aisle and giving her away to the groom reinforces the idea that women are property to be transferred from one man to another. This conveys the message that men have more power than women in these situations.

Question 13

Gloria Wekker believes that anthropologists should not impose their views about sexuality onto other cultures. How does she categorize the labels of "homosexuality" and "heterosexuality" for describing sexual orientation?

Accepted Answer

Gloria Wekker categorizes the labels of "homosexuality" and "heterosexuality" for describing sexual orientation as Western folk knowledge, meaning they are culturally specific to Western societies and do not necessarily apply to other cultures. She criticizes anthropologists for imposing these labels onto non-Western cultures and assuming that their understanding of sexuality is the same as in the West.

Question 14

What is one result of the anti-gay rhetoric found in many countries, including the United States?

Accepted Answer

The answer of What is one result of the anti-gay...

Question 15

Define sexuality and, using a minimum of three examples from the text, describe the ways in which culture influences sexual beliefs and behaviors.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define sexuality and, using a minimum of...

Question 16

Discuss the role of language in sexuality and how it both controls behavior and gives license to perform certain behaviors. How do prominent public figures use language around sexuality? What are the consequences of direct and honest discussion in both a public and private setting?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the role of language in sexuality...

Question 17

In White Wedding: Romancing Heterosexuality in Popular Culture (2008), sociologist Chrys Ingraham asserts that brides are not born but rather made. Identify some examples of the enculturation process. Discuss the implications of the romanticized ideal of weddings. How do these ideals differ from the reality of the "white wedding" as they intersect with gender, class, and racial inequalities?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In White Wedding: Romancing Heterosexuality in Popular...

Question 18

Many governments attempt to criminalize sex work through legal and social sanctions. How do these sanctions impact sex workers?

Accepted Answer

Criminalization of sex work often leads to sex workers being forced to work covertly, which puts them at a greater risk of violence, exploitation, and abuse. It also makes it more difficult for them to access healthcare and other resources. Testing for sexually transmitted diseases, registration with a government agency, and higher taxes are some of the regulations that may be imposed, but the primary impact of criminalization is the need for secrecy and hiding.

Question 19

How do the 'yan daudu in Nigeria see homosexual behavior?

Accepted Answer

The 'yan daudu community in Nigeria views homosexual behavior as compatible with both marrying women and their Muslim faith, reflecting a complex understanding of gender and sexuality within their cultural and religious context.

Question 20

Among college students, what percentage said that oral sex constituted "having sex"?

Accepted Answer

40 percent of college students said that oral sex constituted "having sex," reflecting a significant portion of the population that views oral sex as part of sexual activity.

Quiz 9: Sexuality